A*STAR s Genome Institute of Singapore strengens its genome sequencing capabilities rough collaboration with BT

DC14- 566 18 NOVEMBER 2014

A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore strengthens its genome sequencing capabilities through collaboration with BT Singapore Research institutes that deal in genomic technology require large computing and data resources. Those with inadequate computing technologies often face scalability issues, which slow research in new genome sequencing techniques and technologies.

A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) has empowered its existing genomic analysis capabilities through collaboration with BT Group (BT) to create a cloud-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) environment. The advantages of NGS are the reduced time it takes for GIS to develop Next-Generation-Sequencing analytical software and to make it available to a wider reach of research communities and external parties.

GIS Executive Director Dr Ng Huck Hui said: This collaboration with BT is in line with our goal to integrate technology, genetics and biology in order to make a positive impact on society. Through this collaboration, we will be able to expedite our research into commercial and eventually clinical applications to analyse complex Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) data, and enhance the development of algorithms to analyse disease etiologies.

BT will supply GIS with access to the BT Cloud Compute infrastructure built on the BT for Life Sciences platform. GIS' compute-intense workloads will be transferred into the cloud and tested, allowing its performance to be enhanced.

Kevin Taylor, president of BT in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), said: The development of therapies often involves peaky demands' for large amounts of compute power and this has been a major challenge to the life sciences industry. BT for Life Sciences provides secure cloud-based technology options that reduce the time taken to assemble the necessary computing platform, and then make the applications run in a much shorter time. This creative combination of technology helps the life science sector realise the benefits in the cloud. It aligns completely with GIS' vision of using science as a means to achieve greater gains in human health. Through this partnership, we will help GIS deliver outcomes that will benefit society as a whole.

GIS' Chief Scientific Computing Officer Dr Fu Zhiyan said: At the GIS, we have developed computer production pipelines to analyse NGS data and run them on in-house IT infrastructures. The new cloud computing technology will extend our in-house infrastructure to support surges in computational demand. It can also deliver GIS' algorithms to researchers worldwide and enrich the institute's contributions to global research collaborations.

The computational laboratories at GIS develop algorithms that give scientists the ability to identify important signals in genomics data. With the use of different algorithms, a scientist can obtain more accurate and precise information important for study such as in cancer research.

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For media queries and clarifications, please contact:

Ms Winnie Lim

Head, Office of Corporate Communications

Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR

Tel: 65 6808 8013

Email: limcp2@gis.a-star.edu.sg

Ms Ines Chin

Head of PR & Corporate Relations, Asia Pacific

BT Global Services

Tel: 852 2532 3647

Email: ines.chin@bt.com

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About A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore

The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is an institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It has a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to achieve improvements in human health and public prosperity. Established in 2000 as a centre for genomic discovery, the GIS will pursue the integration of technology, genetics and biology towards academic, economic and societal impact.

The key research areas at the GIS include Human Genetics, Infectious Diseases, Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Computational and Systems Biology, and Translational Research.

The genomics infrastructure at the GIS is utilised to train new scientific talent, to function as a bridge for academic and industrial research, and to explore scientific questions of high impact. For more information about GIS, please visit: www.gis.a-star.edu.sg

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapores lead public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent to drive economic growth and transform Singapore into a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation driven economy.

In line with its mission-oriented mandate, A*STAR spearheads research and development in fields that are essential to growing Singapore's manufacturing sector and catalysing new growth industries. A*STAR supports these economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry.

A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their vicinity. These two R&D hubs house a bustling and diverse community of local and international research scientists and engineers from A*STAR's research entities as well as a growing number of corporate laboratories.

For more information on A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg

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