Microbiome research has accelerated rapidly in recent years—and while these studies have provided valuable insights into human health, they have also made clear that microbiome research alone will not answer all of our fundamental questions about human biology. The field is increasingly moving toward multi-omics studies, which combine two or more omics datasets (microbiomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, or others) in order to observe the interconnection between these different facets. By using this approach, researchers are able to make gains by accessing and integrating multiple layers of information about each participant.
To support genomics and microbiome scientists in their multi-omics pursuits and to foster more interconnected, innovative studies in the field, DNA Genotek and sister company Diversigen, Inc. have opened applications for a new grant program to fund studies that integrate two or more data types. The program will award two grants of up to $50,000 USD, including financial support as well as in-kind supplies and services: DNA Genotek’s human genomics or microbiome / metabolomics products and/or Diversigen’s metagenomic services for sample extraction, sequencing, and interpretation.
Applicants should be researchers currently studying microbiomics or genomics. Details of the grants are as follows:
Grant 1: Multi-omic sampling
This grant is for a study incorporating both genomics and microbiomics data OR a study incorporating two or more microbiome sample types (stool, oral, vaginal, skin) or analytes (DNA, RNA, metabolites).
The applicant must design a study that combines the above data types in a well-defined patient population. The study should provide unique insights that are not achievable by examining one omics type in isolation. This study will leverage DNA Genotek’s human genomics and microbiome / metabolomics products for sample acquisition.
Award & Amounts
Total value (up to) $50,000 USD. This includes (up to) $20,000 USD in financial support and (up to) $2,000 in DNA Genotek sample collection kits to complete the study. Exact product types and formats to be determined based on the proposal.
In addition to the award value, winner(s) of this grant will be eligible to receive support from DNA Genotek and Diversigen’s Product Management, Service Coordination, Marketing, R&D, and Bioinformatics teams for validating the concept, designing the study, and/or recruiting the donors.
Grant 2: Metagenomic analysis
This grant is for an end-to-end microbiome project, including sample collection, extraction, sequencing, and data interpretation.
The applicant must design a study that incorporates the microbiome into a human genomics and/or phenotypic data analysis in a well-defined patient population. The study should provide unique insights that are not achievable by examining genomics in isolation. The study will leverage Diversigen’s metagenomic services for sample extraction, sequencing, and interpretation. The researchers may propose to use raw or frozen microbial samples and/or DNA Genotek’s microbiome collection products for stool, skin, oral, or vaginal sample acquisition.
Award & Amounts
Total value (up to) $50,000 USD. This includes (up to) $30,000 USD in Diversigen metagenomic services, (up to) $15,000 USD in financial support, and (up to) 250 DNA Genotek collection kits to facilitate collection of microbial DNA or RNA for the study. Exact product types and formats to be determined based on the proposal.
In addition to the award value, winner(s) of this grant will be eligible to receive support from DNA Genotek and Diversigen’s Product Management, Service Coordination, Marketing, R&D, and Bioinformatics teams for validating the concept, designing the study, and/or recruiting the donors.
Eligible researchers should complete the DNA Genotek & Diversigen 2021 Expand into Multiomics Grant Program application. The deadline for submission is September 1st, 2021- 12:00 PM ET (GMT -4).
Winners will be announced by October 1st, 2021 on www.dnagenotek.com and www.diversigen.com
About DNA Genotek
DNA Genotek, a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc., develops products that optimize ease of collection and provide superior samples and proven performance for those requiring high-quality biological samples for nucleic acid testing. High-quality samples that are easily collected from target populations enable our customers to focus on translating their analysis and testing into significant worldwide advancements in health and science. DNA Genotek’s success is based on our strong relationship with our valued customers, our innovative environment and our passion for quality.
Today, DNA Genotek products are marketed worldwide and support thousands of customers as they achieve breakthroughs in genomic research, in diagnostics laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in livestock and animal genomics, and in personal genomics. Consequently, our products provide our customers with the ability to focus on solving disease, disease prevention and treatment by translating their testing into worldwide health improvements.
About Diversigen
Diversigen is a microbiome industry pioneer. The company was founded in 2013 by Dr. Joseph Petrosino, director of the Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research at the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), where Diversigen is a BCM portfolio company.
As the first company to establish microbiome protocols in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) guidelines, Diversigen has a strong track record of supporting microbiome-focused clinical trials for big pharma customers, as well as thought-leading microbiome-focused biotech companies.
In November 2019, Diversigen became a wholly-owned subsidiary of OraSure, Inc., headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.