Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory wins OBN Award for Most Impactful Industry Collaboration
Published 27 November 2025
We are delighted to announce that the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) has been awarded an OBN Award in the Most Impactful Industry Collaboration category. This recognition commends the pioneering work undertaken by the FGSL, a collaboration between the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI) at the University of Cambridge, the Medical Research Council (MRC), and AstraZeneca to expedite the development of biomarkers and therapeutics for chronic diseases by conducting genome-wide interrogations.
The FGSL is situated within the Milner Therapeutics Institute and is an integral component of our Initiative, contributing to the UK’s aspiration of establishing the most advanced genomic healthcare system globally. The laboratory’s state-of-the-art robotics and equipment facilitate arrayed CRISPR screening, enabling screens encompassing tens to hundreds of genes, extending to whole-genome scale.
This marks the inaugural centre to offer arrayed CRISPR screening on such a scale for chronic disease through collaborations with researchers from across the United Kingdom. This initiative will empower more laboratories to identify novel targets for drug discovery across a spectrum of diseases, including cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory, and metabolic conditions.
Acclaiming this award reinforces our belief that collaboration is the cornerstone of innovation. For our researchers, partners, and stakeholders, this recognition serves as a testament to our strategy of integrating cutting-edge genomics, functional screening, and industrial-scale development. We extend our sincere gratitude to OBN, our collaborators at the MRC and AstraZeneca, and the members of the MTI team who continue to contribute to the laboratory’s success.
For a comprehensive list of all OBN 2025 Award recipients, please refer to the link below:
