The National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) has unveiled its Nanopore Centre of Excellence in an inaugural ceremony complemented by an academic symposium. Dr. Feng-Jui Chen from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology (NIIDV) has collaborated with Dr. Yu-Chieh Liao from the Institute of Population Health Sciences to develop pathogen genomic analysis technologies using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)'s third-generation advanced sequencing technology. This partnership has resulted in the creation of the Nanopore single-molecule sequencing research cooperation platform, capable of extensive and accurate pathogen analysis. The sequencing technique and data analysis developed by the research team have significant applications in pathogen detection, genome sequencing, and real-time monitoring.

Dr. Chen’s efforts in training lab personnel for pathogen sequencing certification have empowered independent sequencing and data analysis, with substantial benefits for real-time epidemiological investigations and patient care in clinical settings. Celebrated for their laboratory's outstanding achievements, the NHRI, ONT, and the local distributor, UNIMED HEALTHCARE INC., held the "NHRI Nanopore Centre of Excellence" opening ceremony on March 5 at 10 AM.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, the event kicked off with opening remarks from NHRI’s vice president and secretary-general. Representatives from ONT, including key managers from the Asia Pacific region and the local distributor, attended in person to underscore the significance of third-generation high-throughput sequencing technologies, particularly in pathogen detection, genomic analysis, and real-time monitoring. The technology has proven crucial in rapidly and accurately identifying pathogens and tracing their transmission, especially post-COVID-19. Insights into ONT’s single-molecule sequencing technology, technological advancements, clinical applications, and custom analysis processes tailored to various pathogens were shared. The portable, cost-effective nature of Nanopore sequencing allows for impactful molecular epidemiological research, even in resource-limited settings.

In his keynote, President Sytwu emphasized NHRI's commitment to facing future infectious disease challenges resiliently through global data and technological collaboration. The NHRI looks forward to enhancing the nation’s 'One Health' epidemic prevention network with robust scientific tools and offering strong support to local medical institutions in their battle against nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance.