Enabling Population-Scale Genomics insights using high-throughput, robotic liquid handling at the Centre for Genomic Research

Context: The capacity of sequencing machines has massively increased, with the construction of sequencing libraries unable to keep pace. This application requests equipment to implement an advanced robotic liquid handling pipeline that can generate NGS libraries at four times the throughput and a quarter of the cost of current approaches. The pipeline will be situated within the Centre for Genomics Research (CGR), a faculty research facility at the University of Liverpool, which provides world-leading expertise and infrastructure to the UK scientific community. Removing the library preparation bottleneck will be transformative, unlocking new questions within BBSRC remit and allowing analysis of experiments and collections at a scale hitherto only available for human studies. Research Enabled by Equipment: At the CGR we specialise in sequencing non-human genomes and exploring experimental genome biology. The acquisition of robotic liquid handling equipment will revolutionise sequencing library construction of RNAseq, DNA shotgun and amplicon projects. This will increase throughput, reduce costs, and enable more complex genomic studies. This will enable population-level studies of 1000s of samples. We will embed capability through a suite of exemplar projects relevant to BBSRC in digital dermatitis in dairy cattle, plant-bacterial and plant-insect interactions in barley, and identify genes related to crop traits in Brassica crops. It will develop synergies within integrative microbiome research from the deployment of population-scale genomics across different microbiome systems. Our open-access approach means that we will support Cira. 200 projects per annum will support a broad user base, national and international, that includes PhD students, ECRs and established PIs. Aims and Objectives: The primary aim is to support more robust and reproducible science by advancing significantly better experimental designs using population-scale genomics for non-human systems. The objective is to develop and deliver three protocols on the new pipeline within eight months of funding. That will provide high-quality, cost-effective genomic research. Addressing the growing demand within the research community and supporting a wide range of genomic studies. Potential Applications and Benefits: The equipment will benefit BBSRC and UKRI research, including health, agriculture, and environmental science. This work's potential applications and benefits extend beyond academic research as they will be used by industry through our partnership with Unilever and other companies in the North West of England. The new equipment will enhance national preparedness by supporting genomic surveillance of zoonotic and pandemic threats, as evidenced by previous work on SARS-CoV2 with CGR's involvement in COG-UK and wastewater surveillance initiatives. Additionally, the equipment will aid in developing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Diagnostics for the NHS, furthering medical research and healthcare capabilities.