Expression Analysis and Illumina Fund GWAS and Data Analysis Grant Program to Support Cancer Research

Expression Analysis announced that it and Illumina, Inc. are jointly funding a Cancer GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) and Data Analysis Grant program to support cutting-edge projects that show promise in identifying genetic elements important to cancer research and treatment.

Individual researchers, academic and nonprofit institutions, and corporations worldwide are eligible to participate. For a study selected to receive a grant under this program, Illumina will provide the microarrays and reagents, and Expression Analysis will perform services and data analysis consultation relating to the GWAS, in both cases at no cost to the recipient.

“This program brings together proven technology and genomics expertise – Illumina’s Omni family of microarrays and Expression Analysis’ expertise in providing outstanding genotyping data,” said Steve McPhail, President and CEO of Expression Analysis. “Expression Analysis has offered this program for the last two years, reinforcing our commitment to support and give back to the research community, as well as assist in identifying genetic elements that are important to enhance the understanding of disease and improve human health. This year, because of Illumina’s participation, we will be able to give back to the community even more; we applaud Illumina for its contribution to this effort.”

“Illumina is pleased to co-sponsor this grant program, which we hope will spur additional critically-needed GWAS studies in the area of cancer research,” said David Bentley, Chief Scientist at Illumina. “Many research organizations are seeking to run high throughput GWAS, but may not have sufficient funding or be in a position to carry out a comprehensive cancer study. This program is intended to address this need by giving researchers access to Illumina’s Omni family of microarrays and Expression Analysis’ genetic analysis services.”

Projects should demonstrate strong evidence that the study design and analysis proposed is likely to have the power to detect genetic factors affecting the cancer under study. Additionally, there should be a clear need for the GWAS. Investigators are expected to provide properly prepared and aliquoted DNA and supporting documentation for all specimens to be typed. Investigators must provide a maximum of 600 specimens; however, depending on the nature of the medical need, smaller and even larger studies may be considered.

Applications for the grant are due by January 15, 2011. Selection of the Awardee will be made by an outside review panel, and facilitated by the American Cancer Society Research Department. Awardee will be notified by March 5, 2011, with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2011. The project period will extend through the end of 2011.