David Simpson (QUB)

Senior Lecturer/Genomics Core Technology Unit, Queen's University Belfast

Researchers at Queen’s are at the heart of supporting global efforts to understand the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

As we advance our knowledge of the global challenges presented by COVID-19, we are leading new research projects to address COVID-19, supporting local, national and international efforts to expand our knowledge of the pandemic and deploying this enhanced intelligence to develop solutions that will benefit our society here in Northern Ireland, across the UK and globally.

Queen's University Belfast is Partner of the global project 'COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium'
'COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium' is a collaboration between the NHS, Public Health England and other UK public health agencies, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge and other academic institutions.

Project: COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium

Research Group: Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit

Project Description: The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium aims to increase the current capacity for SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequencing in the UK. This sequencing data will be used to understand the epidemiology and spread of the virus, and to monitor and evaluate interventions for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 genomic data will be integrated with NHS electronic health records and other existing genomic data to generate insights into susceptibility to COVID-19. From within the DPHPC, Professor John Danesh is a member of the COG-UK Steering Group, Dr Ewan Harrison will serve as the Scientific Project Manager and Dr Michael Chapman will lead the health informatics component.