
Interdisciplinary
Research
We are a diverse and multidisciplinary research institute that fosters collaboration between engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and social sciences, with the goal of driving impactful change.

Collaboration
We have members and collaborators throughout academia and industry. We work with clinicians, marine and fishery researchers, conservationists, public health officials, and others to bring genomics data, tools, and biotech to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Mentorship
Training the next generation of scientists is a vital part of what we do. Learn about our educational programs and our efforts to bring experiential learning to students from secondary to graduate school.
Impact Highlight
Newly licensed pediatric cancer lab will provide new hope for children with hard-to-treat cancers
“Our team is exceedingly motivated by the power of our specialized analysis. In the next ten years, we hope that this analysis can be offered to every pediatric patient, so that during one of the most difficult periods of their lives, more families will be able to hear someone say, ‘we know exactly what this is and how to treat it.’”
– Olena Vaske,
Professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
Technical Supervisor of the Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory

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UCSC Genome Browser Alumni Profile: Melissa Cline
Twenty-five years after the Human Genome Project, Melissa Cline has become a prominent figure in the field of cancer genomics. She currently manages the BRCA Exchange, the largest public resource for knowledge on genetic variations that influence heritable breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. She also co-leads the Genomic Knowledge Standards Workstream for the Global…
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Ancient DNA research aids de-extinction efforts and reveals surprising dire wolf ancestry
UC Santa Cruz scientists worked with Colossal Biosciences to help reveal secrets in the dire wolf genome that contributed to what the startup is calling the world’s first de-extinction By Rose Miyatsu Earlier this week, Colossal Biosciences made global headlines when they announced that they had successfully brought the dire wolf back from extinction, or…
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David Deamer wins 2025 SETI Institute’s Drake Award
Genomics Institute emeritus affiliate David Deamer has been recognized for his pioneering work in astrobiology, specifically his research on membranes and RNA formation in shallow water environments. He was recognized for advancing new theories on the origins and processes of life in the Universe.
Video Highlights
A Lifetime of Achievement in Genomics
Completing a Human Genome
Stoping Extinction Through Studying Ancient DNA