CGAT (Computational Genomics Analysis and Training)
CGAT is a training and analysis programme for next-generation sequencing data. Set up in August 2010 with an MRC 5-year strategic training award, it is hosted within the MRC Functional Genomics Unit at Oxford University.
What does CGAT do?
CGAT addresses the UK-wide shortage of computational biologists capable of analysing next-generation sequencing data sets by:
- training post-doctoral researchers in next-generation sequencing analyses; and
- providing analytical capacity to UK-based experimental groups
CGAT seeks
- project proposals focusing on next-generation sequencing data
- post-doctoral scientists keen to train in next-generation sequencing data analysis
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact:
CGAT’s Technical Director, Dr Andreas Heger (andreas.heger@dpag.ox.ac.uk)
CGAT’s Director, Professor Chris Ponting (chris.ponting@dpag.ox.ac.uk)
Alternatively you can visit our web site: www.cgat.org
CGAT: An Overview
The Background: Growth in sequencing capacity has accelerated in recent years, while sequencing costs have plummeted. As a result, powerful techniques and assays based on DNA sequencing (ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, genome resequencing, etc.) are being developed. These are invaluable additions to the experimental toolkit of biologists and clinicians alike but, while becoming more affordable, these new methods demand substantial computational infrastructure and expertise. Such resources are not currently available in most experimental research groups and, more often than not, the complexities and requirements of post-sequencing analyses are underestimated. The MRC Strategy Board has awarded CGAT a 5-year strategic training award to help meet these considerable data interpretation and training needs.
The Projects: CGAT employs and trains a pool of post-doctoral researchers who assist UK-based research groups that plan to use, or are already using, next-generation sequencing data. This assistance is provided on a collaborative basis without additional cost, and focuses on gleaning important biological conclusions from large data sets. UK research groups benefit from CGAT’s expertise in computational genomics, its computational infrastructure, and a dedicated post-doctoral researcher. Collaborators contribute sequence data sets and a unique knowledge of their specialist research area. The result is high-quality research culminating in high-profile journal publications under a joint-authorship model.
The Trainees: CGAT’s post-doctoral trainees benefit from in-house training as well as the biological insights of collaborators. Working on a variety of projects, they develop expertise in genome sequencing-related fields together with a high-profile publication record, and have the opportunity to work with leading experts in the field.