biologically valid they are . We also provide an initial evaluation of how effectively these targets are likely to respond to drug intervention and all software and data is freely released for used by academic and industrial researchers , including other pharmaceutical companies . This accelerates new drug development .
Our target validation platform ( at targetvalidation . org ) can be used by researchers in any company or academic institution world-wide and integrates many different types of data , including genetic associations , gene expression , literature mining and known drug targets . We have also launched 30 new experimental projects which all involve investigators from both industry and academia . In addition to publications coming in the next year or two , data from these projects is already being used within the industry partner organisations to prioritise new targets .
The Open Targets initiative brings together expertise from four complementary institutions : GSK , Biogen , EMBL-EBI , and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute . To maximise collaboration , we require all our projects to have scientists from at least two partners ( ideally three or four ). We carry out a range of activities , including workshops on specific topics we ’ re interested in , weekly lab meetings , and match-making of scientists based on area of interest . We also run ‘ integration days ’ three times a year to bring everyone together to hear about what else is happening in Open Targets , and to brainstorm ideas for the future .
The application of genetics and genomics to target validation requires the input of scientists with many different types of expertise . The Genome Campus is one of the few places in the world with such a high concentration of such scientists . Open Targets retains the exploratory nature of academic research , while benefiting from the milestone driven approach of industry research . By blending these we hope to make much faster progress on difficult problems .”
Encouraging innovation The Biodata Innovation Centre ( BIC ) is designed to encourage the emergence of innovative companies working in the genomics and biodata sphere . The Centre ' s manager , Dr Joanna Mills , shares her insights :
The Open Targets initiative brings together expertise from four complementary institutions
“ The BIC provides a flexible space within a highly supportive environment to foster entrepreneurship and nurture translational activities based on genomes and biodata . It aims to become the focal point of a vibrant campus ecosystem and create a critical mass of companies to establish the Wellcome Genome Campus as innovative genomes and biodata companies ' preferred European base .
There is a clear gateway policy at the BIC that ensures the focus stays on genomes and biodata and reflects the ambitious and creative ethos of the Wellcome Genome Campus . Ventures wishing to locate in the BIC should be undertaking research or demonstrate innovative thinking around products and services in genomics and biodata . They should strive to collaborate scientifically with either the research institutes or other entities on campus , and embrace the campus values of being ambitious , dedicated , collaborative and creative .
Innovative companies operating in this space find that they gain from co-location with similar companies and research institutes . Conversations and meetings happen frequently and easily and there is the opportunity to access the science , specialist services and facilities and the talent located on the campus . BIC tenants are full members of the campus community and encouraged to share their knowledge and to join the many scientific and other campus seminars . We are looking forward to welcoming further companies to our community .”
The key to effective collaboration
Key to enabling effective collaboration is developing a sense of community and a supportive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship . The Wellcome Genome Campus and BIC community is starting to evolve now it has reached a critical mass and diversity of companies . With effective data connectivity across the site , tenant company CEOs and key team members can connect with each other and with science faculty across the campus .
According to a report by independent consultancy Charles Beagrie Ltd ( see ebi . ac . uk / about / our-impact ), the immense datasets housed and managed by this publicly funded institute are essential to data-driven research . The report surveyed over 4000 data-service users , and outlines evidence that clearly demonstrates the vital role of public data services across the life sciences . ■
More information is available about the Wellcome Genome Campus at : wellcomegenomecampus . org and the Sanger Institute at : anger . ac . uk
Further information about Open Targets is available at : opentargets . org
For more information about the BIC and innovation on campus please contact Dr Adrian Ibrahim or Dr Joanna Mills Or visit the aboutus / bic page at : wellcomegenomecampus . org
© 2015 Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute / Phil Mynott spring 2017 | UKSPA breakthrough | 75