The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) of the University of the Philippines is opening its doors to students and researchers who would like to have the genome of their bacteria of interest sequenced for free. This is a rare opportunity to understand the genetic make up of the bacteria at no cost.
The genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions or DNA. Composed of genes, the genome contains all the information needed to build and maintain an organism. Our genomes are composed of more than 3 billion DNA base pairs. In comparison, bacteria usually have genome sizes of around several million base pairs.
Starting September 20 the Philippine Genome Center will be accepting proposals to sequence bacteria for free. Those who are interested must submit a one-page proposal explaining why their chosen bacteria should be sequenced for free to crm@pgc.up.edu.ph with email subject: GJC 2018 [Entry]_Name of Bacteria_Affiliation_Sender’s Name. Senders can submit a maximum of two (2) proposals on or before October 5, 2018. Senders will be notified once their entry has been shortlisted for the free whole genome sequencing. All data and information that will be generated from this sequencing will be the sole property of the researcher.
ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE GENOME CENTER AND ITS CORE FACILITIES
The Philippine Genome Center is a multidisciplinary institution that combines basic and applied research for the development of health diagnostics, therapeutics, preventive products, and agriculture technologies. The Center was created and established as a genomics-focused and multi-disciplinary research unit as approved by the UP Board of Regents during its 1246th Meeting held on 31 July 2009.
For the past five (5) years the Philippine Genome Center has been providing Next Generation Sequencing services to the academic and scientific communities through its DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core Facility. In its continuous effort of building capacity in utilizing sequencing technologies in genomics and bioinformatics, the Philippine Genome Center will be collaborating with the Philippine Science High School for a 5-day live-in training program for Grade 11 students titled “Genomics Junior Camp”
