At the end of the 20th century, along with the epic Human Genome Project, Beijing Institute of Genomics (BIG), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was founded. BIG has completed 1% of the Human Genome Project on behalf of China and taken the lead in completing Chinese Super Hybrid Rice Genome Project, opening a door for the development of genomic sciences in China. Facing opportunities and challenges, BIG has established “CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences & Information”, “CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine”, and “Big Data Center” (BIGD), as well as a state-of-the-art Core Genomic Facility, which helps perfect the scientific layout and organizational management of BIG to fulfill its goal. With the first-rate platform of genomic sciences and genome data, the institute explores the secrets of genomics, studies the biological laws and undertakes the major mission of developing genomic science and technology to benefit the human health. BIG has also developed many gene analysis tools with proprietary intellectual property rights significantly improved the bioinformatic computing capability, and developed new computation theory, software, algorithms, and data storage methods. Up till now, more than 800 articles have been published in SCI-indexed journals, including high-profile journals like Nature, Science, Cell and Nature Genetics. Some of the major events in recent years are as below.
To meet the national strategic demand of China on population health and sustainable development, as well as the forefront of life sciences, BIG puts its primary focus on the study of genomic structure, variation, functioning, and evolution; boosts the integration among genomics and other relevant subjects; and develops new theories, technologies, and methodologies of the genomics, aiming to establish BIG as one of the top centers for genomics study in the world.
