Welcome to the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative

Technological advances mean we can sequence the genome at unprecedented scale and accuracy, leading to the discovery of thousands of genetic variants associated with human traits and disease.

Our mission now is to characterise the functional consequences of these variants so that we can understand mechanisms and develop new treatments.

Creating global impact through open and reproducible science

Acting as a hub for the UK functional genomics community, we are supporting partnerships between leading researchers, clinicians and industry. By using advanced tools like gene editing, disease-relevant cell models and AI we aim to explore how genetic changes contribute to disease.

By making our research open, accessible and reproducible, we are helping to create real benefits for scientists and patients across the world.

Research

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Our structure

We are a growing and dynamic network. Coordinated from the University of Exeter, the UK Functional Genomics Initiative currently includes four research clusters based at UK universities, working alongside a data coordination centre and the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory.

A colorful graphic illustrating a linked network

Coordination Hub

Building collaboration and leading on data coordination, funding and training opportunities

 Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory

Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory

Using advanced genetic screening techniques to develop new insights into complex diseases

 Data Coordination Centre

Data Coordination Centre

Revolutionising access to data to speed up scientific breakthroughs

Our research is organised in four clusters, each specialising in different scientific areas.

Neurodevelopment Cluster

Using brain organoid models to model human brain development and explore genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Molecular Mechanisms Cluster

Tackling the “missing link” between genomes and disease by identifying molecules in our bodies that cause disease and looking at how tiny variations in the genome change molecules in single cells.

Musculoskeletal Cluster

Delivering insights into musculoskeletal health and new therapies in musculoskeletal disease and helping to revolutionise our understanding of the way functional genomics underpin disease.

Protein Post-Translational Modification (PPTM) Cluster

Defining the functional consequence of genetic variants associated with rare diseases which alter the post-translational modification of proteins.
UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative locations map

Our locations

Coordination Hub & Data Coordination Centre
University of Exeter

Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory
Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge

Research Clusters
University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University of Oxford

Find out more about us

Partners