What is the 100,000 Genomes Project?

Ever typed ‘100,000’ into your Google search bar? You may be surprised to see the 100,000 Genomes Project come first. Professor Sue Hill, NHS Chief Scientific Officer for England, explains how the project is driving real transformation by bringing 21st century medicine to the NHS.

What is the 100,000 Genomes Project about?

In a nutshell, it’s a national project to transform healthcare for the future that allies cutting edge science and technology, clinical care and research. By the end of 2017, the project is aiming to sequence 100,000 whole human genomes (all the information in our DNA that make us who we are) from around 70,000 people.

What’s the vision?

Understanding DNA and how it can predict and prevent disease, provide a precise diagnosis and direct targeted treatment will soon play a role in every aspect of medicine, from cancer to cardiology. We want to become the first country to introduce whole genome sequencing as a mainstream part of our national healthcare system. Better understanding genomics will help us transform how we care for patients, from one-size-fits-all to one-size-fits-one.

We want to become the first country to introduce whole genome sequencing as a mainstream part of our national healthcare system.

How does it work?

The project is focusing on patients with rare diseases and their close relatives and patients with cancer. It’s a collaborative project: NHS England is developing the delivery infrastructure in the health service via NHS Genomic Medicine Centres. Genomics England is co-ordinating the sequencing and interpretation capacity and capability and focusing the parallel research and life science industry endeavours in the UK and abroad. Health Education England is tasked with the upskilling of all healthcare professionals. Alongside this, Public Health England is looking at how genomics can help in the battle against infectious disease, while the Department of Health provides stewardship of the Project and leads on the wider genomics policy.

We’re developing the delivery infrastructure in the health service via NHS Genomic Medicine Centres.

What are NHS Genomic Medicine Centres?

In 2014, NHS England designated the first 11 NHS Genomic Medicine Centres (GMCs) across England (with more coming in the New Year). Each covers a distinct geography of about 3-5 million people and consists of a lead organisation (a Trust) working as a network with other partner organisations in their area (local delivery partners) to a tightly defined service specification to ensure consistency, quality and comparability.

Where can I find out more?

  • Talk to a member of the Manchester GMC team, which is based at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, on 0161 276 6506.
  • Take a look at the story of Michelle Holding, and her mother Suzanne, who were the first patients to be recruited the 100,000 Genomes Project.
  • Listen to some of our patients talking about their experiences: