Nowgen Centre

Nowgen Centre. The Nowgen Centre was a pioneering biomedical research and education facility located in Manchester, focused on advancing the understanding and application of genomics and personalised medicine. Established through a collaboration between the National Health Service, academia, and charitable funding, it served as a key hub for translating genetic science into clinical practice and public understanding. Its work was integral to the development of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and contributed significantly to the city's reputation in life sciences.

History

The centre was established in 2004, originating from the educational initiatives of the Genetic Interest Group and the Wellcome Trust's Nowgen Programme, which aimed to improve public and professional engagement with genetics. Its founding was supported by a major grant from the Wolfson Foundation, alongside contributions from the Department of Health and the former North West Development Agency. Initially hosted within the Manchester Science Park, it later became a core component of the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre infrastructure. The centre's operations concluded in the mid-2010s as its functions and mission were absorbed into the expanding genomic medicine initiatives of the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the broader 100,000 Genomes Project.

Facilities and resources

The centre housed state-of-the-art laboratories for biomarker research and genetic testing validation, alongside dedicated seminar and conference spaces designed for interdisciplinary dialogue. It provided critical resources such as the Nowgen Biobank, a collection of DNA samples used for research into complex diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis. Its location within the Manchester Royal Infirmary campus facilitated direct links with clinical services in fields like cancer genetics and paediatric medicine. The facility also featured an innovative education suite used for workshops with healthcare professionals from National Health Service trusts across the United Kingdom.

Research and programmes

Core research focused on the translation of genomic discoveries into clinical pathways, particularly in areas of rare diseases, pharmacogenomics, and prenatal diagnosis. Key programmes included the EuroGentest project, which worked on standardising genetic testing across Europe, and the PHG Foundation, which collaborated on policy reports about implementing genomic medicine. Scientists at the centre conducted significant studies on the ethical, legal and social implications of genetics, often in partnership with the Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation at The University of Manchester. Its work directly informed guidelines for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.

Collaborations and partnerships

The centre operated as a partnership nexus, primarily between the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester. It was a founding partner of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, aligning its work with institutions like the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. National collaborations included ongoing projects with the Sanger Institute, Genomics England, and the British Society for Genetic Medicine. Internationally, it partnered with consortia such as the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium and maintained links with the World Health Organization on public health genetics.

Public engagement and education

A defining mission was to foster informed public dialogue on genetics through initiatives like the Nowgen Schools Programme, which reached thousands of students across the North West England. It regularly hosted public lectures and debates featuring experts from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics and the Royal Society. The centre produced widely-used educational resources for the National Health Service and created exhibitions in collaboration with the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester. Its engagement work was recognised with awards from the British Science Association and helped shape the public communication strategies of the Human Genetics Commission.

Category:Medical research centres in the United Kingdom Category:Organisations based in Manchester Category:Genomics organizations