Genomics-focused biomedical research breakthroughs in cancer, inherited eye disease and common gynaecological disorders are set to be accelerated by a $6.5 million funding boost.

The Advanced Genomics Collaboration (TAGC) has awarded the funding to four new Innovation Projects led by University of Melbourne researchers collaborating with partners across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct in Australia.

The four projects will also gain access to powerful DNA sequencing technology in TAGC’s world-leading genomics hub made possible through a partnership between the University and global biotech company Illumina, with support from Invest Victoria.

Associate Professor Lauren Ayton and Dr Ceecee Britten-Jones from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences and the Centre for Eye Research Australia will establish a comprehensive patient dataset of inherited retinal diseases; Associate Professor Richard Tothill from the Centre for Cancer Research is partnering with Professor Sarah-Jane Dawson and clinicians and researchers at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to develop a rapid multi-omic liquid biopsy blood test using whole genome sequencing to resolve the difficult diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary origin.

In addition, Professor Peter Rogers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology will perform next generation sequencing to find new solutions for patients with common endometrial related health problems; and Professor Niall Corcoran from the Department of Surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital will lead a study using genomic testing and predictive disease modelling to guide therapy and reduce the burden of prostate cancer diagnosis.