BGI Group

meryam lamsissi, a PhD holder in biology and biotechnology, is an early-career research associate at the Pasteur Institute of Morocco (Institut Pasteur Du Maroc). She recently completed advanced training at BGI, where she gained expertise in cutting-edge genomic technologies, data analysis, and visualization techniques. Maryame highlights the critical role of genomics in understanding the genetic diversity of populations and pathogens, enabling the development of personalized therapies, effective diagnostics, and vaccines. She also emphasizes the importance of empowering African researchers to address the continent's unique public health challenges and reduce reliance on external vaccine production. The training at BGI has equipped her with the tools and collaborative networks to contribute to Morocco's vision of achieving self-sufficiency in biomanufacturing and strengthening Africa's health systems. Maryame envisions a future where Africa develops local solutions for its health challenges through robust research infrastructure, sustainable partnerships, and cutting-edge technology. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gmnWN-BR

Fixing even a single oncogene can be enough to completely reverse cancer. Dean Felsher, Professor and Director at Stanford University, spoke at ICG-19 Shenzhen about his groundbreaking research on "oncogene addiction." He explained how certain genes, called oncogenes, drive cancer growth, and how reversing even one of these genes can potentially cure cancer. Focusing on the MYC oncogene - linked to nearly all human cancers - he discussed the challenges of targeting MYC therapeutically and shared insights into how cancer genes not only promote growth but also suppress immune responses. While no therapies currently exist to target MYC, Prof. Felsher's work is paving the way for future cancer cures. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gpVkYqxF

Welcome to the January 2025 Edition of the BGl Group Newsletter!

“Without data, decisions made could be wrong.” Agrippine Mukarurangwa, a biomedical laboratory scientist from Rwanda with 12 years of experience in the health sector, shares her journey in molecular biology and genomics. Recently, she completed advanced training at BGI, further enhancing her expertise in pathogen sequencing and genomic surveillance. As the focal person for influenza surveillance at the National Reference Laboratory in Kigali, she works on sequencing various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, using first- and second-generation sequencing platforms. Agrippine emphasizes the critical role of genomics in tackling communicable, non-communicable, and neglected tropical diseases in Rwanda and across Africa. She envisions a future where Africa utilizes high-throughput sequencing technologies for real-time pathogen detection, outbreak monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. With the support of BGI, she plans to expand surveillance efforts, strengthen data analysis, and build a resilient health system to support Africa's growth and stability. https://lnkd.in/gx2DJ9Js

UN FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu visited the global headquarters of BGI Group in recognition of BGI’s significant innovations in life sciences over recent years, particularly its achievements in the agricultural sector. https://bit.ly/4a73E3C

In a recent study, BGI researchers profiled over 375,000 immune cells and hundreds of plasma metabolites from mountaineers, offering new insights into how the human body’s immune system and metabolism change and adapt during high-altitude mountaineering. https://lnkd.in/gKvnYXnf

"Genomics is like an ocean where we can fish a lot and explore everything," says Fekadu Alemu Atire, a health researcher at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) in Ethiopia. After completing his training at BGI, he plans to bring this expertise back to his institute in Ethiopia to support the fight against malaria. https://lnkd.in/g3tJ4Vj9 

🎉 #HappyNewYear from BGI Group! 🎉 As we step into #2025, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for the opportunities ahead. This year, we remain committed to advancing life sciences and genomics to improve global health and drive innovation. Together, let’s continue breaking boundaries, exploring the unknown, and creating a brighter future for humanity. Thank you for being part of our journey! Here’s to a year of discovery, growth, and collaboration. 🌍✨

Science needs to grapple with challenges, and the development of tools is crucial for helping people reach their full potential. Professor James Crabbe, from Wolfson College at University of Oxford, spoke at ICG-19 Shenzhen about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in medicine, particularly in advancing cancer research and treatment. He explained how AI techniques, such as natural language processing, are used to link genetic data with clinical information, enabling the identification of genes involved in specific cancers. This process, known as gene ontology, is critical for developing new drugs and repurposing existing ones, accelerating treatment development in a faster and more cost-effective way. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gfpzZbqe 

"Genomics and sequencing is the way to go in Africa," says christopher misomali, a senior lab technologist from Malawi. Having completed the 2024 BGI Training Course on Disease Control for African Countries, he is now ready to apply cutting-edge genomics and sequencing technologies to enhance outbreak response capabilities across Africa. Watch: https://lnkd.in/ghyKDKup