Singapore, 14 March 2014 – The POLARIS laboratory at the Genome Institute of Singapore (POLARIS@GIS) announced that it has successfully completed Illumina CSPro™ certification for Sequencing, gaining entry to an elite group of Illumina genomics service providers globally. Illumina Inc., a San Diego-based company, provides leading-edge genetic analysis tools to genomics centers worldwide.
Illumina CSPro is the collaborative service provider partnership dedicated to ensuring the delivery of the highest-quality data available for genetic analysis applications. Illumina CSPro participants undergo a rigorous two-phase certification process that includes minimum data generation, data certification, and an on-site audit of the facility and processes.
“We are pleased to be the first laboratory in South-East Asia to attain the CSPro certification for Sequencing. This facility provides clinician scientists and researchers with rapid access to genomics services, and enables them to develop laboratory tests for eventual clinical use,” said Dr Christopher Wong, Chief Operating Officer, POLARIS.
The POLARIS (Personalised OMIC Lattice for Advanced Research and Improving Stratification) initiative is funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The initiative introduces and embeds OMIC information into the diagnosis and treatment of medical diseases. OMIC is the general term for a broad discipline of science and engineering for analysing biological interactions.
"Illumina CSPro recognizes organizations that provide customers with industry-leading data quality and service in genetic analysis," said Christian Henry, Illumina's Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer. "POLARIS@GIS is now a CSPro in Singapore, able to provide sequencing services using Illumina technology. Now that POLARIS is a global CSPro partner, we are excited to work with them to make it easier for researchers in Singapore to access the power of Illumina's genetic analysis technologies."
For media queries, please contact:
The POLARIS Laboratory at GIS (POLARIS@GIS)
Dr Christopher Wong
Chief Operating Officer, GIS
DID: 6808 8103
Email: wongc@gis.a-star.edu.sg
Genome Institute of Singapore
Winnie Lim
Head, Office of Corporate Communications
DID: 6808 8013
Email: limcp2@gis.a-star.edu.sg
About POLARIS Programme
POLARIS is a strategic initiative for introducing and embedding OMIC information into disease diagnosis and treatment in Singapore. Funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the POLARIS@GIS laboratory is located within the Genome Institute of Singapore.
For more information online, please go to: www.polaris.a-star.edu.sg