COG-UK message of condolence

Members of the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium were deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and all others affected by this news.

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II demonstrated a keen interest in the transformative power of science and technology, visiting research institutions and speaking with scientists on many occasions. In a statement in the early days of the pandemic, she recognised the importance of joining with all nations across the globe and using the great advances of science to face the challenge posed by COVID-19.

Our thoughts remain with Her Majesty’s family at this time.

COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK)

The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium works in partnership to harness the power of SARS-CoV-2 genomics in the fight against COVID-19.

Led by Professor Sharon Peacock of the University of Cambridge, COG-UK is made up of an innovative collaboration of NHS organisations, the four public health agencies of the UK, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and sixteen academic partners. A full list of collaborators can be found here.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, represents a major threat to health. The COG-UK consortium was formed in March 2020 to deliver SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing and analysis to inform public health policy and to support the establishment of a national pathogen sequencing service, with sequence data now predominantly generated by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Public Health Agencies.

SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing and analysis plays a key role in the COVID-19 public health response by enabling the identification, tracking and analysis of variants of concern, and by informing the design of vaccines and therapeutics. COG-UK works collaboratively to deliver world-class research on pathogen sequencing and analysis, maximise the value of genomic data by ensuring fair access and data linkage, and provide a training programme to enable equity in global sequencing.