Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI)is one of the world’s largest genomics organizations which offers a wide range of sequencing services which includes genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics with the industry’s latest next-generation sequencing technologies and quality management systems, with applications in human, plant, animal and microbial research (https://www.bgi.com/us/sequencing-services/dna-sequencing/).

A delegation from Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Shenzhen, China, comprising the largest gene bank in the world, visited University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP) on the 5^th June 2018 for establishing collaborations between BGI and USJP for genome sequencing and joint collaborative research.

Following the discussions a meeting was held on the 31^st July 2018 between officials from BGI organization and academics of USJP for the utilization of the facilities of BGI linking the faculties and departments of USJP in a multidisciplinary manner for collaboration in the research and development of genetic and genomic sciences, thereby establishing a Genetic Diagnostic hub in Sri Lanka targeting the South Asian Market amalgamating BGI, Ministry of Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka, and USJP through a MOU for genome sequencing, research and product development leading to Public-Private Partnership and service-oriented commercialization.

Furthermore, initiating double doctorate opportunities between China and Sri Lanka through BGI College and USJP, and joint research projects and partnerships through an MOU were discussed during the meeting.

(Meeting with delegates from BGI Genomics and academics of USJP on 5^th June 2018)

(Images: Meeting with officials from BGI Genomics organization, Prof. SampathAmaratunge, Vice Chancellor, USJP, Prof. Ranil de Silva, Director, World Class University Project, USJP and academics of USJP on the 31^st July 2018)