The UMN Genomics Center is pleased to announce the opening of the CoLab, a new space for shared access to genomic instrumentation and training. The CoLab will democratize genomics at the UMN by making specialized, cutting-edge instruments and companion equipment accessible to a broader range of researchers. Training and bench space access are provided at no cost to UMN researchers.

This symposium aims to bring together UMN investigators interested in single-cell methods to discuss key approaches in data analysis and interpretation and the latest developments in single-cell technologies. It will feature in-depth presentations from UMN experts in cardiac, immunology, and plant research, updates in informatics and technologies, and a tour of the new CoLab space for training in single-cell methods.

On March 28, VP for Research Shashank Priya and Associate VP for Research Kimberly Kirkpatrick visited the UMGC's new, centralized lab at 4Front Technology Campus in Oakdale. UMGC 4Front houses core operations and high-throughput workflows, once spread across four locations. With operations now centralized, the UMGC expects a boost in efficiency and productivity.

The UMN Genomics Center is excited to kick off its Spring 2024 Pilot Sequencing Program. To help UMN investigators generate preliminary data, the UMGC has partnered with Illumina to subsidize sequencing pilot projects, and also 10X Genomics to support single-cell pilot projects. Pilot projects can be for any NGS application on our website. The amount of sequencing is tiered based on the type of pilot project.

Join Oxford Nanopore on Thursday, March 21st, at the McNamara Alumni Center to hear from local experts who are breaking new ground in human genomics using nanopore technology.​​​ Aside from talks ranging from human genomics for rare diseases to sequencing for cancer research, this full-day agenda will include networking breaks, Q&A, product displays, and opportunities to engage with your peers and nanopore experts.

The UMGC is undergoing a physical and organizational transformation aiming to make us the best possible partner for help with wet-lab genomics. The goal of this town hall is to meet with our community of CFANS users, explain ongoing changes, and most critically, get feedback from researchers about how the UMGC can best tailor our offerings.

This content-filled, half-day event will include science and technology advisors from 10X Genomics presenting the latest single cell and spatial updates, as well as talks from Kenny Beckman, UMGC Director, and Grant Barthel, UIC Assistant Director. Samuel Peters from the Niedernhofer Lab will present on using single cell and spatial technologies to chart senescent cell biology.

Zebra mussels are a damaging invasive species that are spreading throughout the lakes and rivers of Minnesota and beyond. The UMGC Innovation Lab is building on previous work sequencing the zebra mussel genome and working to develop highly specific genetic biocontrol tools for zebra mussels.