UL MF to Establish Comprehensive Genomics Research Infrastructure
Metod Perme/UL MF
Date of publication:
The University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine (UL MF) will establish a comprehensive national research infrastructure for genomics, supporting the advancement of functional genomics and personalised medicine, as well as more effective diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases, including cancer and rare diseases.
The establishment of the research infrastructure is part of the 1+MGenom-SI project, for which an agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, and Dr. Borut Rončevič, Minister of Education, Science and Youth. At the UL MF, the Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips (CFGBC) and the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (IBKMG) are participating in the project.
The project will enable the establishment of infrastructure for high-throughput whole-genome sequencing, genomic data analysis, secure long-term storage, and data reuse for research and clinical purposes. By the end of 2028, at least 650 whole genomes from healthy individuals representing the Slovenian population are expected to be sequenced.
The 1+MGenom-SI project is directly linked to the European initiatives Genome of Europe (GoE) and 1+ Million Genomes (1+MG), in which the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine is already actively involved. The new research infrastructure will enable Slovenia to strengthen its integration into the European genomics ecosystem and facilitate interoperable data exchange with selected European nodes.
The project represents an important investment in research excellence, the advancement of functional genomics, and the development of personalised medicine, contributing to more effective diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases, including cancer and rare diseases. Understanding genetic diversity among healthy individuals is particularly valuable in this context, as it facilitates the identification of rare genetic variants associated with disease. The project will lay the foundations for new scientific breakthroughs, enhance the education and training of future experts across the broader field of genomics, and strengthen Slovenia's participation in leading European research initiatives.
The 1+MGenom-SI project is implemented under the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027 and co-financed by the Cohesion Fund. The total project budget amounts to €3.6 million, of which €1.44 million will be provided through European funding. The beneficiary of the funding is the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine. All research equipment purchased through the project will be installed at the Vrazov trg Campus.
