National Reference Centre for Whole Genome Sequencing of microbial pathogens: database and bioinformatic analysis

The “National Reference Centre for Whole Genome Sequencing of microbial pathogens: database and bioinformatic analysis” (GENPAT) was formally established at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise in Teramo by the Decree of the Italian Ministry of Health on May 30, 2017 (G.U.R. 196, August 23, 2017).

The mission and objectives of GENPAT are:

to develop a national platform for collection and sharing of microbial pathogens WGS data and for fulfilling bioinformatic analyses;
to create a structured and permanent network of reference people from other IIZZSS focused on the management and planning of territorial activities;
to support and assist the Italian Ministry of Health and competent authorities in technical and scientific claims;
to organize training courses for the National Health Service and competent authorities staff;
to encourage research activities within the specific area of expertise;
to implement any other useful activity related to the specific area of expertise as well as coordination and collaboration with other IIZZSS, research institutions and organizations.

Head of the Centre: Cesare Cammà – c.camma@izs.it