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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Scientists program stem cells to mimic first days of embryonic development
March 20, 2025 By Emily Cerf The earliest days after fertilization, once a sperm cell meets an egg, are shrouded in scientific mystery. The process of how a humble single cell becomes an organism fascinates scientists across disciplines. For some animals, the entire process of cellular multiplication, generation of specialized cells, and their organization into an…
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Clinical pediatric cancer lab at UC Santa Cruz is cleared to accept and test patient samples
The UC Santa Cruz Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory (CCDL) will use a newly clinically validated RNA test that they have developed that could identify life-saving treatment options, particularly for pediatric cancer patients.
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New biology study reveals four novel genes required for male fertility in mice
Genomics Institute affiliate Upasna Sharma has conducted pioneering research to determine how a father’s life experiences and environment can influence the health and wellbeing of his children. Her most recent discovery could have important implications for understanding male infertility.
Video Highlights
A Lifetime of Achievement in Genomics
Completing a Human Genome
Stoping Extinction Through Studying Ancient DNA