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New Zealand aiming to become world leader in genomics

Xinhua, November 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

The New Zealand government is to invest in the development of a world-leading genomics research platform, with the aim of making breakthroughs in health, environment and other fields.

"Genomics is an increasingly important component of both basic and targeted research, and underpins much current activity across the life sciences including the primary, health and environmental sectors," Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said Tuesday.

"The government is reshaping its current genomics investment to a new cross-institutional research center that will produce high quality research capability for the whole science sector," Joyce said in a statement that detailed funding of 35 million NZ dollars (25.67 million U.S. dollars) over seven years.

The investment was expected to grow excellent genomics research capabilities in New Zealand by building on and growing linkages to other world-leading genomics research centers around the world, maintaining effective relationships between New Zealand's genomics scientists and stakeholders, and by generating world-leading excellent research, he said.

"The government's support for genomics will ensure that New Zealand will continue to build a strong and respected position in the international genomic research sector," said Joyce.

"This investment will have broader benefits for the New Zealand public, including improved economic, health, social and environmental outcomes. New Zealand will be in a better position to retain, attract and develop top genomics researchers, and ensure the country's contributions to genomics research are competitive internationally."

Genomics was a fast-moving and growing research and commercial field, with a high turnover in technologies and approaches, said a statement from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

New Zealand had current capability in bioinformatics and the interpretation of genomic information, which could be leveraged into valuable outcomes, including international collaborations. Endit