More than 100,000 Coronavirus samples genomically sequenced by Welsh Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGu)

We are delighted to announce our colleagues and partners over at the world-leading Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU) at Public Health Wales has officially sequenced over 100,000 Covid-19 samples and growing. 

This monumental achievement has been vital in monitoring how the virus has evolved and developed across Wales and through sequencing has given scientists and academics alike the ability to identify new variants and to what effect they have on how the virus behaves. 

Dr Fu-Meng Khaw, National Director of Health Protection and Screening Services and Executive Medical Director for Public Health Wales, said:

“The team at PenGU have worked incredibly hard over the course of the pandemic in order to deliver a world class genomic service for Wales. Their work has underpinned the scientific data that has been used by Public Health Wales in advising policy colleagues to help protect the people of Wales, and having such a high proportion of samples genomically sequenced in such a timely manner has meant that we have been able to remain vigilant on new variants of COVID and are able to take early public health action.

Dr Sally Corden, Head of PenGU, said:

“I am extremely proud of the way that everyone in the team has worked so hard to establish, deliver and run this service. Wales is one of the world’s leading nations in genomics, and our work over the course of the pandemic has only enhanced that reputation. I would like to thank everyone in this amazing team for their hard work and dedication. This is a truly phenomenal milestone for a relatively small team.”

On behalf of eveyone at the All Wales Medical Genomics Service, C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S and keep up the great work!