Scientists Win Spanish Award for DNA Sequencing

Why this is here: The scientists’ method reduces the cost of sequencing a human genome from millions of euros taking months, to completion in a single day.

British chemists David Klenerman and Shankar Balasubramanian, along with French biophysicist Pascal Mayer, received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for their work on DNA sequencing. The jury recognized them for advancing clinical diagnosis and research across multiple fields including biology and biomedicine.

Previously, sequencing a human genome took months and cost millions of euros. Now, the process takes one day and is significantly cheaper.

Their research proved crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic. It enabled rapid sequencing of the SARS-CoV2 virus, accelerating vaccine development. Klenerman and Balasubramanian co-founded Solexa, later Illumina, which commercialized a fast and affordable genome sequencing method.

Mayer’s earlier research into DNA surface amplification provided a foundation for their advancements. The award acknowledges a progression of work, but further research is needed to address the ethical considerations of widespread genomic data. The scientists will formally receive the award in Oviedo, Spain, this fall.