Genomics for Poland (G4PL)

A strategic project aimed at expanding the national infrastructure for genomic research to support science, biotechnology, and medicine.

Knowledge of the genetic variability within a given population is crucial not only for the advancement of science but also for medicine. It is thanks to large-scale genetic research that it is possible to develop innovative therapies, precise diagnostic tests, and targeted preventive measures. Knowledge of a patient’s genetic profile is the foundation of so-called personalized medicine. It enables more effective preventive measures (e.g., through appropriate screening programs, dietary changes, or lifestyle modifications), and in the event of disease onset, it allows for individualized therapy selection and more effective treatment. Genomic testing also translates into measurable economic benefits, as well-targeted prevention, precise diagnostics, and personalized therapy help reduce healthcare costs.

About the Project

The main purposes of the G4PL Project

Nationwide network of laboratories

Establishing a nationwide network of laboratories conducting research and offering services in the field of genomics for scientific, business, and healthcare entities.

Genomic analysis equipment

Providing laboratories in the network with modern equipment for genome analysis.

A collection of genomes from Polish residents

Collecting new genome samples from residents of Poland, including members of minority groups and patients with rare diseases.

National data repository

Integration and reanalysis of existing data, and consolidation of that data into a single nationwide repository.

IT tools for genome analysis

Development of new IT tools for genome analysis using artificial intelligence algorithms and quantum technologies.

The project plans to sequence DNA samples from 6,000 to 7,000 donors. Some of these samples will contribute to the European project Genome of Europe, as part of which a reference database of genetic variation in Europe is being created.

The G4PL project is being developed by a consortium consisting of:

Leader

including

Partners

The project manager is Luiza Handschuh, Ph.D., Professor at the Institute of Chemical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences,
Head of the Genomics Laboratory since 2013, and Director of the Institute of Chemical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences since December 2023.

Project value: 248 337 770,24 PLN
Grant amount: 180 481 656,59 PLN
Project realization period: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2029

The project is funded by the European Union under the “European Funds for a Smart Economy” (EFSE) program, Measure 2.4: Research Infrastructure for a Modern Economy (https://opi.org.pl/feng/o-feng/).

The following parties are contributing non-monetary contributions to the project: BCODERS S.A. and Analityk Genetyka Unrug Wójtowicz Sp. k.

The European Commission is supporting the implementation of the project the Genomics for Poland projectfunded under the Cohesion Policy, which addresses the need to create a coherent and interoperable genomic data infrastructure. The project contributes to the development of personalized medicine and innovative therapies, while strengthening Poland’s position in the European research ecosystem and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

Tasks

The project includes four main tasks - work packages:

Biobanking infrastructure

Resource Access Portal

Sequencing

Service Access Portal

Data Analysis Platform

Data Analysis Portal

Data Analysis

Comparative analysis

Analysis using quantum computers

Analysis using AI protocols

Data Storage and Sharing Platform

Data Access and Management Portal

Central Data Repository

Aggregation and standardization

  • WP1 – Biobanking infrastructure – purpose: to collect and preserve biological material.
  • WP2 – Genome sequencing infrastructure – purpose: to purchase and expand DNA sequencing equipment.
  • WP3 – Infrastructure and the development of methods for analyzing genomic data – purpose: development of data analysis tools, use of quantum technologies for genomic computations
  • WP4 – Infrastructure for data storage and sharing – purpose: creating a central data repository, securing the data, and preparing it for widespread distribution.