The Cambridge University microbiologist understood that genomic sequencing would be crucial in tracking the disease, controlling outbreaks and developing vaccines.
Genomic sequencing is essentially the process of mapping the unique genetic makeup of individual organisms — in this case the virus that causes COVID-19.
Behind that growth is a system that links the science of genomic sequencing with the resources of Britain's national health care system.
The importance of genomic sequencing became obvious late last year as the number of new infections began to spike in southeastern England.
But COG-UK’S work, combined with Britain’s size and high number of cases, have made it the world leader in sequencing COVID-19.