The aim of the Centre for High Throughput Functional Genomics is to promote the ability to do functional genomic experiments at EMBL. In order to achieve this, the centre will:

		Build the infrastructure to physically carry out large-scale experiments at EMBL;
		Provide a forum to promote exchange of technical expertise and scientific knowledge;
		Increase the awareness and synergy of high-throughput projects being carried out at EMBL.

Technologies that will be integrated into the activities of the Centre for High Throughput Functional Genomics include large-scale DNA sequencing, high-throughput mapping, microarray production, phenotypic screening, and large scale cloning. Most of these activities are ongoing at EMBL with support from the Genomics Core Facility, but they will require a significant increase in capacity in the future and also a change in the organis ation in which they are being conducted.

Many functional genomic experiments need to be conducted by the scientists involved in the project, rather than being conducted through a service centre. This is particularly true at the initial 'protocol development' stages of the project. The principle aim of the Centre is to allow scientists at EMBL to conduct their high-throughput experiments. Functional genomic experiments require ready access to liquid handling robots. The Centre will help with programming and calibration of a detected robot, as well as training to allow groups to carry out their experiments. The Centre will also give advice on experimental design, letting new large-scale users know what is possible.

In parallel to the activities within the Centre, it will work closely with the Genomics Core Facility to provide guidance and advice for the large-scale service projects this facility is conducting.