EpiCenter Genomics
What is genomic epidemiology, and what makes it so special?
Genomic epidemiology (sometimes called genetic or molecular epidemiology) is the practice of using genome sequencing data to identify and track the spread of microbes that can cause disease.
Each microbe’s total gene content (genome) acts like a fingerprint or barcode that uniquely identifies it. Comparing the genomes of different microbes helps scientists and public health professionals track the spread of disease, identify new strains of bacteria or viruses, and make conclusions about sources of exposure that put people at risk.
With sequencing technology advancing so quickly in the age of “big data”, genomic epidemiology is one of the most rapidly expanding disciplines in public health.
What is the problem, and how do we fix it?
Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting genomic data requires time, tools, and training that are rarely available to
(1) local and regional health departments that perform surveillance, outbreak response, and health interventions, (2) healthcare facilities with infection control needs, and (3) government agencies who develop and refine policies based on the transmission of infectious diseases.
In the few cases where genomics and public health do meet, experts in the two fields frequently talk past one another, failing to convey messages that are mired by layers of jargon. Crucial findings buried in sequencing data then do not translate into effective interventions.
Public health needs stewardship and innovation from the few professionals who have experience both in the computational science that creates genomic data and the public health settings where those data transform into action.
Why EpiCenter Genomics?
We at EpiCenter Genomics have all pioneered novel research on the genomic epidemiology of infectious diseases. Throughout our extensive work in public health, we have witnessed the breakdown of the “pipeline” that turns sequencing data into interventions - the genomics, the epidemiology, and the crucial conversations in between - and we know how to prevent these ruptures. We have the experience to train and advise research laboratories, health departments, regulatory agencies, and healthcare settings on how to integrate and optimize the use of genomics in their infectious disease surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.
What does EpiCenter Genomics offer?
EpiCenter provides education and guidance on the computational biology of microbial genomics, advises on effective responses to findings derived on genomic data, and facilitates decision-making among leaders in bioinformatics and public health whose collaboration is critical to the success of genomic epidemiology. We make sure that your organization takes full advantage of the outstanding power of this rapidly growing field.
Our team of trained, experienced, and certified professionals has a successful track record of collaborating with academic research labs, computational biologists, physicians, infection preventionists, and government officials who all have so much to gain from this public health revolution.