ELIXIR-UK
Coordinating bioinformatics data, tools, standards and training in the UK, for Europe and beyond.
Biography
Neil works on comparative genomics and population genomics of microbes.
He has previously led research groups at the Sanger Institute, The Institute for Genomic Research, and The University of Liverpool. His research focuses on comparative and evolutionary genomics in pathogens (particularly parasitic protists) to understand the molecular basis of important phenotypes such as virulence and host specificity.
His group also apply genomics to the analysis of microbial communities and populations to understand how they may influence health or respond to changing environments.
Projects
Publications
Related reading.
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21 October 2024
Science
Organisation
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Stronger together: partnerships take centre stage at EI Innovate
Collaborations were in the spotlight at this year’s EI Innovate, with a focus on the Earlham Institute’s cutting-edge work with external partners.
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27 September 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Boosting beans for breeders
A consortium of partners from 16 countries will be contributing information about legume crops to a living database, allowing breeders to improve the peas and beans on our plates.
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20 September 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Targeting global food insecurity with sustainable wheat
Wheat provides around a fifth of the world’s daily calories and protein. And in some countries, it accounts for half of the calories consumed.
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19 August 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Revealing the genes that build plant bioactives
Plants are known to produce valuable molecules, many of which are hard to chemically synthesise. Engineering biology approaches at the Earlham Institute are helping to decode these biosynthetic pathways.
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29 July 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Latest themes in single-cell genomics
The case for long reads, the benefits of cell atlases, spatial transcriptomics, and genomics at the intersection of microbial communities were among the key themes from the 2024 Norwich Single-Cell Symposium, held at the Earlham Institute.
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10 June 2024
Science
Technology
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Realising the potential of engineering biology through the Earlham Biofoundry
Engineering biology has been identified as a critical technology for the UK. Biofoundries will be critical for those hoping to make an impact in this emerging field.
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08 May 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Joined-up genetics essential to save UK pollinators
Our insects are in decline and under growing threat but comprehensive genetic sequencing and new farming regulations could mark a turning point.
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05 April 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Genetic integrity needed for Biodiversity Net Gain to flower
It’s one of the most ambitious plans to rebuild the natural environment in Europe – but will Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) lead to an influx of poor-quality wildflower seeds?
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01 March 2024
People
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Light-up plants and tunable roots signal new solutions for climate crisis
There has been no rain for a month. The soil around a farmer’s wheat plants is bone-dry. In the past this could have led to the loss of the whole crop – but one flick of a genetic switch means the root systems can begin to adapt to the drier conditions.
12 November 2024
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Molecular tape recorder chronicles timeline of plant gene expression
A molecular tape recorder has been able to chronicle the timeline of genetic activity that sets in motion the development of two important features in plants - lateral roots and stomata.
16 September 2024
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Pan-European project generates genomes showcasing continent's rich biodiversity
The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) has today announced the success of its Pilot Project, bringing together collaborators from 33 European countries to produce high-quality reference genomes for 98 species.
24 July 2024
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Source of tilapia diversity now a threat to survival
Cross-breeding is becoming an existential threat to aquaculture in East Africa and, if left unchecked, could lead to the disappearance of genetic diversity for one of the most widely-farmed freshwater fish in the world.
08 May 2024
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Earlham Institute and Tozer Seeds receive knowledge transfer award
A new project is bringing together the Earlham Institute and Tozer Seeds to apply the latest genomic tools for accelerating plant breeding programmes.
02 May 2024
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Heart patients set to receive treatment tailored to their genetic and health information
An innovative project using artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease has kicked off at a meeting in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
25 March 2024
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New genome assembly finds yeast variant is distinct species
Two research papers from the Earlham Institute and Francis Crick Institute have provided new genome assemblies for Schizosaccharomyces japonicus and its sub-varieties, revealing previously unknown features and providing evidence for a new species of fission yeast.
09 February 2024
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Science and Technology Secretary announces Engineering Biology investment
£100 million has been awarded by the Government today to help pioneer new technologies that will help prepare for pandemics, innovate farming, and protect against floods.