CARLSBAD, Calif. – Oct. 20, 2014 – Thermo Fisher Scientific will fast-track up to 12 translational research teams’ gene-expression profiling through an innovative grant program launched today. Selected applicants will receive free next-generation RNA sequencing services to further their research in the field of cancer genomics.

The new Ion Torrent Transcriptome Profiling Grant Program recognizes the broad benefits of gene-level expression analysis and predictive biomarker discovery, along with the hurdles that translational researchers face characterizing degraded or archived cells. The grant includes use of the Ion AmpliSeq Transcriptome Human Gene Expression Kit, which is capable of profiling the gene expression of over 20,000 RefSeq targets from as little as 10ng of RNA.

“Transcriptome profiling is a tremendously important tool for understanding how genetic variants alter cell expression,” says Chris Linthwaite, head of Genetic Sciences Research for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “With the Ion AmpliSeq Transcriptome technology, researchers can effectively screen for thousands of known and novel biomarkers for potential breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics, prognostics and experimental therapy use. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s new grant program will place this technology within reach of outstanding scientists around the world that currently must take the long road to biomarker discovery.”

Next-generation RNA sequencing improves the quality and dependability of data, as well as broadening the pool of samples that researchers can draw upon. Along with technology, grant recipients also will gain access to technical experts from Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Certified Service Provider partners, which will run all the experiments.

Thermo Fisher Scientific will award the grants based on the scientific relevance and potential of the programs under consideration, the strength of the submitted abstract and how applicants plan to build on the data generated as a result of the grant.

Research teams awarded sequencing services will in no way be obligated to Thermo Fisher Scientific partnerships in the future.

More information on how to apply for the Ion Torrent Transcriptome Profiling Grant Program can be found here, or by visiting the Thermo Fisher Scientific conference booth #513 at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) in San Diego Oct. 18–22, 2014.