UK DRI at Cambridge researcher awarded 2024 Novo Nordisk Prize for development of revolutionary DNA sequencing techniques

Prof Sir David Klenerman (UK DRI and Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge) and Prof Sir Shankar Balasubramanian (University of Cambridge) are being honoured with the 2024 Novo Nordisk Prize for their pioneering work, which enables the human genome to be sequenced in just an hour. This has opened the door to personalised healthcare and enhances our understanding of human diversity and disease.

In 2000, one human genome took over 10 years to sequence at a cost of more than 1 billion dollars. The new technology invented by Profs Klenerman and Balasubramanian means that a human genome can be sequenced in just one hour and for less than $1000, meaning millions can be sequenced each year.

The technology, now known as Solexa-Illumina Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS), transformed the understanding of cancer by enabling targeted treatments through the identification of key genetic mutations. It has also revolutionised the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases by significantly reducing the time to diagnosis, facilitating rapid, targeted interventions. NGS played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding in the tracking of the virus’s spread and the evolution of variants.

Prof Sir David Klenerman says:

“It might sound a bit corny, but the greatest reward is seeing the technology in use and knowing that it has genuinely saved people’s lives. Receiving recognition from this award is wonderful. Shankar and I were fortunate enough to initiate the whole process, but in my mind, the Prize represents acknowledgment of a technology to which a large number of people contributed. They took an idea from a piece of paper and turned it into reality.”

The prize awarded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation recognises active scientists who have provided outstanding international contributions to advance medical science to benefit people’s lives. The prize is accompanied by DKK 5 million (€672,000) and comprises a DKK 4.5 million (€605,000) research grant and a personal award of DKK 0.5 million (€67,000).

Prof Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, says:

"The achievements of Sir David Klenerman and Sir Shankar Balasubramanian represent breakthrough innovations in science. Their work has enabled a new phase in personalized medicine, significantly improving our ability to diagnose and manage many diseases. Their technology for rapid and affordable genome sequencing unlocks scientific advancements critical for our future, and it exemplifies how forward-thinking research can help solve urgent global challenges. The Novo Nordisk Foundation is proud to recognize their monumental contributions, which are consistent with our commitment to supporting scientific innovation that enhances human health.”

Prof Sir David Klenerman and Prof Sir Shankar Balasubramanian were previously awarded the 2020 Millennium Technology Prize for their work developing NGS. To find out more about Prof Klenerman's research, visit his UK DRI profile.

Article published: 15 March 2024
Source: Novo Nordisk Foundation
Banner image: Nathan Pitt, University of Cambridge.