Oxford Nanopore Technologies and KAUST collaborate to advance multi-omics discovery

Oxford Nanopore Technologies and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the research and development of advanced multi-omics technologies. This strategic collaboration will leverage Oxford Nanopore's innovative nanopore sequencing technology and KAUST’s strong research base to accelerate scientific discoveries that address critical global health challenges.

The MOU will build on earlier collaboration efforts between KAUST and Oxford Nanopore, including the introduction of NanoRanger, a technique developed by Professor Mo Li, Associate Professor of Bioscience at KAUST, that uses the ability to sequence long, native fragments of DNA that has demonstrated rapid identification of variants associated with genetic disorders within hours using the Oxford Nanopore platform. Prof. Li's award-winning work was recognised at Oxford Nanopore’s recent London Calling 2024 conference.

'The NanoRanger is a fantastic example of the innovation that can spring from collaboration, but we feel it is just the tip of the iceberg', said Gordon Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore Technologies. 'Through this MoU, we will be able to partner on discovery research programmes that push the boundaries of multi-omics research, ultimately contributing to transformative discoveries that can benefit society'.

Under the MoU, KAUST will gain early access to Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing technology, building on its pre-existing status as an Oxford Nanopore certified service provider and customer. This will help enable its researchers to explore the cutting-edge of the multi-omics space, utilising Oxford Nanopore’s platform technology to gain faster and deeper insights for areas such as rare diseases and desert agriculture. Oxford Nanopore will benefit from access to KAUST's state-of-the-art Core Labs, providing a launchpad for engagement with the Kingdom's vibrant research and innovation communities.

'Partnering with Oxford Nanopore enhances our ability to offer cutting-edge resources to our researchers', said Dr. Daniel Acevedo-Feliz, Director at KAUST Core Labs. 'This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in our Core Labs’ mission to foster groundbreaking discoveries and support KAUST’s leadership in scientific innovation. We are excited about the potential impacts of this advanced technology on health and environmental research'.

'This multi-omics technology aims to empower any user to sequence anything, anywhere, bringing lab tools into the real world', added Nicole Cheung, Director of KAUST Bioscience Core Lab. 'KAUST’s collaboration with Oxford Nanopore helps make the once-daunting task of sequencing more accessible and mobile. Our teams have already used this technology in the desert and on the Red Sea, and we see almost limitless possibilities for its application'.

Both Oxford Nanopore and KAUST are committed to exploring further opportunities for joint research projects, educational initiatives, and technology development, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in the field of genomics and beyond.