The project aims to trace-back the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Ireland for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response.

We will gather SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes by sequencing at least 2500 COVID-19 positive samples in Ireland, and make the genomic data publicly available to assist the scientific and medical communities. 

Why is this important?

Genomic observation of pathogens is a critical tool to aid epidemiological studies, inform public health interventions and make scientific developments in treatments and vaccines.

How are we doing it?

The project will perform nanopore-based DNA sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from thousands of COVID-positive samples collected at UHL, CUH, Beaumont Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital Dublin, The Mater Hospital Dublin, Crumlin Hospital Dublin, Drogheda Hospital and The National Viral Reference Laboratory, Dublin.

Who are involved in this project?

This project is an undertaking of the Irish Coronavirus Sequencing Consortium (ICSC) funded by Science Foundation Ireland, and supported by Helixworks Technologies and Genuity Science.

The ICSC is led by Prof Paul Cotter at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark and includes APC Microbiome Ireland , University College Cork, Teagasc Crop Research Centre, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, Trinity College Dublin, The National Viral Reference Laboratory, Dublin.

Resources

1. Irish Coronavirus Sequencing Consortium - Link

2. ARTIC network - Link

For members of the
Public Health and Scientific Community

People across the globe are working tirelessly to track the virus and make scientific developments in therapies and vaccine development. Together, we can aid these efforts by sequencing more COVID-19 samples and improve our knowledge about the virus and beyond.

Please contact us to start talking about how we can work with you to sequence your samples.