COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium

The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, represents a major threat to health. The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium has been created to deliver large-scale and rapid whole-genome virus sequencing to local NHS centres and the UK government.

COG-UK is made up of an innovative partnership of NHS organisations, the four Public Health Agencies of the UK, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and over twelve academic partners providing sequencing and analysis capacity.

COG-UK is supported by £20 million funding from the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, administered by UK Research and Innovation.

The virus genome data is combined with clinical and epidemiological datasets in order to help to guide UK public health interventions and policies. The subsequent analysis will permit evaluation of the effectiveness of novel treatments and non-pharmacological interventions on SARS-CoV-2 populations and spread. It will provide information on whether or not outbreaks are due to introductions from outside or ongoing transmission within the community. The data will also enable researchers to identify and understand genetic changes that affect how easily the virus is passed on and the severity of the symptoms it causes. Finally, the information help us target the development of treatments and vaccines and monitor their impact as they are introduced.

Viruses sequenced

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News and Blogs

Blog22 Jan 2021

Reflections on the achievements of COG-UK

The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium is ten months old this January. As with many other scientific efforts worldwide that have arisen as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many years’ worth of effort and achievement from COG-UK members have been compressed into this short time period. Here are ten of these achievements, one for each month of our existence. 
Blog19 Jan 2021

The new SARS-CoV-2 variant and other mutations under review by COG-UK

A brief summary of the latest COG-UK mutational surveillance report, which explores SARS-CoV-2 spike gene mutations of potential or known importance. 
Blog13 Jan 2021

Asymptomatic screening and genome sequencing help Cambridge understand spread of SARS-CoV-2 among its students

Since the start of the academic year in October 2020, the University of Cambridge has been offering regular SARS-CoV-2 tests to all students living in its Colleges, even if they show no symptoms. Initial results suggest that the screening programme, together with the University’s public health measures and responsible student behaviour, has helped limit the spread of the virus.