Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Mahidol University launch first Centre of Excellence in Southeast Asia

A collaborative endeavour to empower genomic innovation

The Oxford Nanopore Centre of Excellence, established within the Siriraj Long Read Lab, will serve as a regional hub, providing hands-on training in genomics, live demonstrations, and professional development opportunities for students, scientists, and healthcare professionals. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and access to world-class expertise, the Centre aims to accelerate the adoption of genomic technologies in Thailand and across the broader Southeast Asian region.

"The inauguration of the Oxford Nanopore Centre of Excellence at Mahidol University is a shining example of the strong collaboration between the United Kingdom and Thailand,” said Anna Pearson, Chargé d'Affaires at the British Embassy in Thailand, during her special address. “This partnership not only highlights our shared commitment to advancing scientific research but also underscores the potential for innovation to drive economic growth and improve healthcare outcomes. We are proud to support initiatives that foster such valuable international cooperation."

Prof. Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, emphasised that the Centre embodies a shared vision for advancing medical science and improving healthcare outcomes.

"This Centre represents a milestone in our commitment to excellence in research and education," said the Dean. "Our collaboration with Oxford Nanopore Technologies will not only drive advancements in scientific knowledge but also contribute to the economic development of our nation."

"Our collaboration with Mahidol University and Siriraj Hospital signifies a significant step forward in genomics research and education," said Zoe McDougall, SVP Corporate Affairs at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. "At Oxford Nanopore, we pride ourselves on listening to our partners and delivering the tools and solutions they need. By integrating our cutting-edge sequencing technology with the academic excellence of Mahidol University, we are fostering a partnership that drives meaningful innovation, supports groundbreaking discoveries, and ultimately transforms healthcare outcomes."

Driving Impact Across Multiple Sectors

Oxford Nanopore's unique sequencing technology enables richer genomic data and ultra-rapid reads, in an accessible and affordable form factor. This technology, combined with the expertise of Mahidol University stands poised to revolutionise a vast array of fields across both human and environmental sciences:

• Human Health and Medicine: Collaborative research at the Centre will focus on several critical areas within human health:

1. Cancer: By providing comprehensive genomic insights, Oxford Nanopore's technology will support cancer studies and the development of targeted approaches in cancer management to improve patient outcomes.

2. Infectious disease: Oxford Nanopore’s real-time sequencing enables rapid detection and characterisation of pathogens, supporting effective public health interventions and epidemiological tracking. This could lead to quicker identification and containment of infectious disease outbreaks.

3. Rare disease: Long-read sequencing can uncover genetic variations often missed by traditional methods in rare and genetic diseases, increasing diagnostic yield and enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalised treatments, including detecting complex genomic rearrangements and repeat expansions associated with rare genetic disorders.

4. Complex disease: Research into non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders will benefit from comprehensive genomic analysis, as understanding genetic predispositions allows for the development of preventive strategies and personalised therapeutic interventions.

5. Pharmacogenomics: High-resolution genomic data will support the development of precise prescription guidelines in pharmacogenomics by identifying genetic variations that affect drug metabolism and response, reducing adverse drug reactions, optimising therapeutic efficacy, and contributing to better healthcare outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens.

• Agriculture and Plant Sciences: Oxford Nanopore's sequencing solutions empower researchers to analyse plant genomes with unprecedented detail. This facilitates the development of crop varieties with improved yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience, significantly impacting food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

• Animal Genomics: In livestock and aquaculture, genomic sequencing aids in selective breeding programmes aimed at enhancing desirable traits, improving animal health, and increasing productivity. This contributes to more efficient and sustainable animal farming practices.

• Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: Addressing the current shortage of bioinformaticians in Thailand, the Centre will offer specialised training programmes in bioinformatics, sequencing technologies, and data analysis, leveraging the leadership of the Head of Medical Bioinformatics at Siriraj Hospital. This initiative aims to build a robust bioinformatics infrastructure essential for supporting the country's expanding genomics landscape.

• Education and Research Advancement: The partnership empowers educational institutions and research facilities to conduct cutting-edge genomic studies. By providing accessible and user-friendly sequencing platforms, the Centre fosters a new generation of scientists skilled in genomics and bioinformatics.

Prof. Dr Manop Pithukpakorn, Professor of Medicine and Leader of the Siriraj Genomics, highlighted during the event the transformative potential of long-read sequencing in cancer research within the Genomics Thailand cohort. He remarked: "Long-read sequencing can facilitate diagnosis by identifying disease-causing variants, improving accuracy of variant calling, and enabling more comprehensive analysis of the genome, particularly in addressing complex variations that other platforms struggle to characterise effectively”.

Dr Thidathip Wongsurawat, Head of Medical Bioinformatics at Siriraj Hospital and Principal Investigator of the Siriraj Long Read Lab, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are delighted to partner with Oxford Nanopore Technologies in establishing this Centre of Excellence. This collaboration will not only enhance our research capabilities but also provide invaluable training opportunities for our students and researchers, positioning Thailand at the forefront of genomic science".

Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation

Beyond scientific endeavours, the Centre of Excellence is aiming to contribute significantly to Thailand's economy. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, it will serve as an incubator for biotech start-ups, driving economic growth and positioning Thailand as a leader in Southeast Asia’s biotech industry.

"The intersection of genomics and entrepreneurship presents immense opportunities," said Prof. Manop "By supporting biotech start-ups and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, we are contributing to both the scientific and economic advancement of the region."

Dr Thidathip Wongsurawat added: "Empowering researchers with the latest sequencing technologies will accelerate the development of homegrown solutions, stimulating the biotech sector and creating new opportunities for economic growth."

A Holistic Approach to Global Challenges

Through this collaborative Centre, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Mahidol University aim to bring together scientists from diverse fields to develop competencies and collaborate on solutions that improve health outcomes, ensure food security, preserving biodiversity, and fostering sustainable development.

"By uniting our efforts, we are creating a synergistic environment where interdisciplinary collaboration can thrive," added Lei Tong, Associate Director, Clinical Sales Specialists at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. "Together, we can drive innovative solutions that make the world a better place."

Prof. Dr Apichat Asavamongkolkul, echoed this sentiment: "Our joint efforts will not only elevate Thailand's position in the global scientific community but also address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today."