[Joint Press Release]
Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), an international graduate university in Okinawa, Japan, have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate genomics innovation in alignment with the One World, One Health framework, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
This collaboration will combine Illumina's Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and OIST's expertise in multidisplinary science from engineering, physics to biology, ecology and marine sciences. Together, we aim to foster knowledge sharing, testing and evaluating cutting-edge technologies, facilitate technology disclosures, promote talent development, and collaboration on innovation events. Through this partnership, Illumina and OIST aspire to become a knowledge hub that amplifies the potential of industry-academia collaboration and accelerates the advancement of genomic science in Japan.
"Working with Illumina will allow us to harness the power of genomics across a broad range of scientific disciplines," said Gil Granot Mayer, Executive Vice President of OIST. "Through genomic analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interactions within human and environmental ecosystems and develop more effective strategies to enhance human health and conserve our environment."
One aim of the MOU is to accelerate access to genomics in Japan by becoming an epicentre of knowledge that draws on the capabilities of industry, academia, and the public sector.
"Understanding and addressing the challenges in conserving our natural world is a critical to solving some of humanities biggest health issues and genomics has a big part to play," said Catherine Ohura, Representative Director and President and General Manager Illumina Japan. "But it requires broad expertise across scientific disciplines to find solutions and this is a particular strength of the team at OIST."
An area of collaboration that is showing initial promise is in marine conservation using metagenomics, where environmental DNA (eDNA) is extracted from the ocean and sequenced to identify marine species.
"eDNA sequencing can identify thousands of species from a single environmental sample, making it a faster and more comprehensive method for assessing biodiversity compared to traditional physical surveys," said Ohura.
"The ocean supports billions of people with food and jobs, generates most of our oxygen, and helps combat climate change. However, overfishing, habitat loss, and plastic pollution severely harm ocean ecology and all of these impact human health," said GranotMayer. "This partnership allows the OIST research community to leverage Illumina's industry-leading portfolio of omics solutions and sequencing applications to drive exciting innovations in environmental conservation and health, while preparing the next generation of students and researchers to take on leading roles in these crtical areas."
The MOU was formalized at a signing ceremony at OIST. It includes Illumina's membership on the advisory board of the Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation established at OIST, supported by a grant from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Program on Open Innovation Platform for Academia-Industry Co-Creation (COI-NEXT). The Center's vision is to strive towards a One World, One Health society - a concept recognizing the indivisible relationship between humanity and the natural world, and the benefits that will ensue.
About the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
OIST was founded in 2011 on the initiative of the Japanese government to contribute to global science and technology, attracting leading researchers from Japan and abroad to establish a world-class research hub and innovative knowledge cluster. As a pioneering graduate university, its mission is to conduct high-class research that bridges disciplines to explore new frontiers of scientific knowledge, educate a new generation of scientific leaders, and catalyze industrial innovation in Okinawa.
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com
