Genomics Aotearoa is an agile, leading-edge and collaborative platform, established to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand is internationally participating and leading in the rapidly developing fields of genomics and bioinformatics*.
*Genomics is the study of the genome, the complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism. Bioinformatics is the development of methods and software tools for understanding the biological data derived from genomics.
Genomics Aotearoa (GA) is an alliance of ten partners:
- Universities - Auckland, Massey, Otago, Waikato, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
- Crown Research Institutes - AgResearch, ESR, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Scion
Genomics Aotearoa also has more than 30 associate members - organisations that are researchers or end users of genomics and bioinformatics.
We are undertaking a suite of nationally significant research activities supporting Aotearoa New Zealand’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing.
It has established national collaborations in health, environment and primary production, and has funded projects across these three key research themes. The projects are underpinned by the development of a national genomics data repository and bioinformatics analytical platform, and by enabling and growing the skills and capability of researchers in Aotearoa .
A major goal is to place Te Ao Māori at the centre of these activities, through research undertaken by, for and with Māori and embedding Māori management of indigenous genomics research practice and data.
Connecting Genomics Aotearoa partners and associates with practitioners and end users - including iwi and community groups, government agencies, District Health Boards and hospitals, animal breeders and primary producers - will ensure that the new genomics and bioinformatics capabilities and knowledge translate to benefits throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Strengthening international linkages ensures that Genomics Aotearoa operates at global best practice standard.
Principal funding for Genomics Aotearoa for 2017-2024 comes from the Strategic Science Investment Fund, following an application and assessment process managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.