Genomics England selects Lifebit for enhanced research environment to enable cutting-edge genomic research. 2 Jul 2026 Genomics England is working with Lifebit to develop a next-generation research environment to support research into rare conditions and cancer. To meet growing research potential and demand, Genomics England has procured an enhanced research environment with improved capability. This will support more complex analysis, improve usability for researchers, and help accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into healthcare. Following a rigorous procurement process, Lifebit has been selected to deliver the platform, drawing on its experience developing secure infrastructure for large-scale analysis of sensitive health data. Advances in genomic research increasingly depend on the ability to analyse large, complex datasets across many genes and participants. Strengthening the underlying infrastructure is therefore critical to ensuring researchers can make full use of the data and generate meaningful insights, and fully exploit the benefits of AI. Genomics England is a UK government-owned organisation that delivers whole genome sequencing diagnostics through the NHS. Alongside this, it runs its own major research initiatives and enables research using consented and de-identified genomic and health data held in the National Genomic Research Library. This resource supports scientific discovery and the development of new therapies, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients. Access to this data is provided through a research environment - a secure, centralised platform where approved researchers can analyse data without it leaving the system. The UK government has emphasised the importance of genomic healthcare in both the Life Sciences Sector Plan and NHS 10 Year Health Plan. The provisioning of a new and improved research environment will drive forward the UK's position as the best place to discover, test and benefit from genomic innovation. "This new research environment provided by Lifebit represents a significant investment in the future of genomic research. By strengthening the infrastructure that underpins secure data access and analysis, we are enabling researchers across academia and industry to generate new insights into rare conditions and cancer, and accelerating progress towards more personalised, data-driven healthcare for patients." Professor Rich Scott Chief Executive Officer of Genomics England "We are proud to work with Genomics England on the development of this next-generation research environment. By combining our technology with Genomics England's world-leading genomic data resources, we are enabling researchers to collaborate and analyse data securely at scale, with a shared ambition to drive forward scientific discovery and improve patient outcomes." Dr Maria Dunford Chief Executive Officer of Lifebit Genomics England will work with Lifebit over the next year to design, build and test the new research environment and plans to make it available to researchers in 2027. Media contact.

Genomics England Chair to step down. * June 09, 2026 Genomics England has announced that Baroness Nicola Blackwood will step down as Chair at the end of 2026 as she comes to the end of her tenure. She has served as Chair since 2020 during which time she has supported the organisation through a period of significant progress. This includes strengthening partnerships with the NHS, enabling world-leading genomic research, and continuing to build trust in the responsible use of genomic data. Nicola will continue in the role until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth and orderly transition. Further details on succession will be confirmed in due course. Professor Rich Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Genomics England, said: "Nicola has made an important contribution to Genomics England during her time as Chair. She has provided strong leadership and support to the organisation, helping to guide our work as we continue to deliver for participants, the NHS and the wider research community. That focus on participants and the trust they place in us will remain central as we look ahead to our next chapter. On behalf of everyone at Genomics England, I would like to thank her for her commitment and service." Baroness Nicola Blackwood commented: "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Genomics England and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of colleagues. I am very proud of the progress that has been made, particularly in strengthening the role of genomics in healthcare and research, and in maintaining the trust of those who contribute their data. Genomics England is well placed for the future, with a clear strategy and an important role at the heart of the UK's life sciences ecosystem. I would like to thank colleagues, partners and participants for their support during my time as Chair. Baroness Blackwood was appointed as the first Chair of the Health Data Research Service (HDRS) in November 2025, a new service which aims to streamline NHS data access for approved researchers to develop new medicines and therapies.