Sorting chromosomes since 1987
The Centre was established in October 2002 by the Wellcome Trust in view of the need for a readily-available source of chromosome specific DNA by those working in comparative genomics. It was recognised that the Molecular Cytogenetics Research Group at the Cambridge University Veterinary School was in a position to provide these resources and, in fact, was doing so in a limited scale in collaborative arrangements with over 40 academic institutions world-wide. However, the demand had become more than could be supplied by these informal arrangements. As a result the Biomedical Resources Panel of the Wellcome Trust approved funds for an initial 3-year period and this was renewed for a further 3 years (until October 2008).
The Centre continues to consider requests from bona fide scientists in recognised institutions and is glad to answer queries and provide information on its services by email. Recipients are now asked to help defray reasonable costs and to sign their agreement to conditions of use of the material supplied by the Centre.