Centre for Comparative Genomics

The WA Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CCG) represents a unique approach to research in Comparative Genomics. It draws together both biomedical and agricultural comparative genomics and bioinformatics activities and expertise in such a way as to promote shared understanding within and across fields of study. It provides excellent opportunities to share Western Australian resources and leverage further income for the State.

The centrepiece of the Centre is the Research and Development Program. The Centre Research Program comprises a number of projects organised within three Research Themes: i) Comparative genomics for wheat and legumes; ii) Comparative genomics for animal and human pathogens; and iii) Comparative genomics as a tool to enhance human gene analysis and diagnostics.

A key initiative to support the Centre’s research program is the establishment of the Bioinformatics Research Laboratory (BRL). The BRL represents unique scientific infrastructure for Western Australian that develops and utilises innovative techniques and tools to drive its core research program as well as serve external clients on a fee-for-service basis. The BRL offers a range of capabilities, including: the development of computational tools; a vast range of data analysis and visualisation strategies; and, the development of integrated web-based applications.

Key Collaborators of the CGG can be found here.

What is Comparative Genomics

Every organism’s unique genetic information is stored in its DNA, which forms the common basic building blocks of all living organisms, encodes RNA and proteins and can be expressed in computer-readable form. Using cutting-edge information technology known as Bioinformatics, computer-readable genetic information can be analysed and compared between individuals within and across species. The new science of comparing these similarities and differences across all living organisms is known as Comparative Genomics. Comparative Genomics has become the cornerstone to research and development in agricultural and biomedical sciences and can lead to major social and economic benefits.

More about Comparative Genomics

The Centre's Vision

The Centre for Comparative Genomics will be an international leader in the field of Comparative Genomics, integrating and utilising world-class bioinformatics and information technology to provide tangible economic and social benefits for Western Australian communities in the fields of biomedical and agricultural science.

Centre Mission

To draw together and enhance the activities of diverse intensive pockets of State-based research activity, which extend from the agricultural sciences to biomedical research, and to create bioinformatics solutions for the exponentially growing task of integrating and analysing large genomic databases.