New lab brings genomics options closer to UK users

Azenta, Inc announces the inauguration of its latest Genomics Laboratory in Oxford, UK, marking a significant expansion of its renowned GENEWIZ Multiomics & Synthesis Solutions in the UK market. This state-of-the-art facility brings Azenta closer to UK-based researchers, offering advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and a team of expert scientists from Oxford.

"We're excited to inaugurate our Oxford laboratory, providing cutting-edge NGS technology to researchers in the UK," stated Dr Ginger Zhou, President of Azenta's Multiomics business unit. "This new facility not only enhances our global presence but also grants researchers access to local expertise and advanced resources. Our Oxford team comprises top-tier scientists deeply rooted in the local scientific community."

The grand opening ceremony, held on 25 April 2024 featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, laboratory tours, and a celebratory reception attended by key stakeholders, local scientific community members, distinguished guests and Azenta executives.

Dr David Buck, Director of Lab Services Oxford, remarked: "Our new lab underscores our commitment to supporting UK researchers by delivering high-quality data faster, driving advancements in critical fields such as diabetes, infectious diseases, Alzheimer's, and more. We are excited about the collaboration and engagement with the scientific community and eager to contribute to their success."

Dr John Todd, Professor of Precision Medicine at the University of Oxford, who attended the opening event, commented: "Having a remarkable genomics facility like the one Azenta has opened at our doorstep enables us to work faster, achieve more with higher accuracy, and enhance medical research discovery for patient benefit."

The Oxford Genomics Laboratory prioritises customer convenience, offering a network of GENEWIZ collection points and free same-day dry ice sample collection in Oxford and Cambridge, simplifying the sample submission process for researchers. The lab provides a comprehensive suite of NGS services, including library preparation, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis with UK-based data storage, and soon-to-be-added DNA/RNA extraction capabilities, all supported by experienced PhD-level study managers guiding projects from inception to delivery.

Azenta's GENEWIZ is equipped with cutting-edge NGS platforms globally, enabling users to stay at the forefront of scientific innovation. These platforms include Illumina NovaSeqTM X Plus, PacBio Revio, Oxford Nanopore Technologies GridION, PromethION 2 Solo, 10x Genomics Chromium X, Nanostring GeoMx® & nCounter®, and Olink® Protein Biomarker Detection.

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