Genomics Aotearoa is a collaborative research platform for genomics and bioinformatics

A lack of consensus among international conservation regimes regarding albatross taxonomy makes management of these ocean roaming birds tricky. Imogen Foote's PhD research aims to generate whole genome data for some of our most threatened albatrosses in a first attempt to bring their taxonomy into the genomic era.

Genomics Aotearoa-funded researchers based at Plant & Food Research were the first to sequence the genome of the Gillenia (a perennial shrub related to apples and pears) in 2021, and have since created a new high quality genome assembly using the very latest sequencing technology. This will help to translate the wide range of information between the well-studied species of apple, pear, peach, strawberry and raspberry.

Genetic-based tools are providing PF2050 with potential to explore alternative control methods for the most challenging species for New Zealand to eradicate – the rat.

The GA-sponsored Genome: Science of Life exhibition closed on Friday May 27. The museum recorded 4,212 visitors and their social media campaign was viewed 97,485 times with a reach of 55,904 people. The museum team say this is an amazing success for an exhibition. Real time sequencing by Nathan Kenny (Ngāi Tahu and Te Ātiawa), Louise Walker and Katerina Achilleos from the University of Otago was a highlight of the exhibition, with 130 tamariki taking part. If you didn't catch it this time around, the exhibition will be held again between November 16 2022 and February 19 2023.