Babraham Institute scientists in European Research Network

6th September 2004

Scientists at the Babraham Institute are part of a consortium of leading European scientists which has established “The Epigenome” Network of Excellence (NoE).  Epigenetic research questions the traditional view that the DNA sequence is the exclusive source of heritable information. Epigenetic changes are independent of the genetic code, but nevertheless can be passed on to offspring.

Dr Wolf Reik (from the Laboratory of Developmental Genetics & Imprinting), Dr Peter Fraser and Dr Patrick Varga-Weisz (both from the Laboratory of Chromatin & Gene Expression) are three members of the NoE, and their group from the Babraham Institute is one of the largest participants in the Network.

The NoE combines the critical mass of expertise that exists in epigenetic research across Europe and aims to integrate all ongoing epigenetic research in Europe.  Starting with a ‘virtual core centre’ of 25 world-leading laboratories from six European countries, the the Epigenome NoE will follow a progressively expanding strategy to incorporate additional research teams over its 5 years of EU funding.

Further information

Further information relating to the The Epigenome Network of Excellence can be found at: http://www.epigenome.imp.ac.at

The Babraham Institute, located just south of Cambridge, UK, is an educational charity focussed on delivering science of the highest quality that will add significantly to knowledge and find applications in the biomedical, biotechnological and pharmaceutical sectors. Research is funded in part by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Contact details:

Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
Contact by email

Tel: +44 (0)1223 496260
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496002
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 335978

Dr Wolf Reik
Contact by email
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496385