Since 2018, Dr Martin Fritzsche has led the NIBSC next-generation sequencing (NGS) team, which provides comprehensive library preparation, sequencing, and primary analysis services to the Institute. This includes viral, bacterial, protist, plant, and mammalian genomics approaches for internal and external projects. Before joining NIBSC, he worked on mapping transcriptional networks in blood vessel development within the group of Dr Sarah De Val at the Ludwig Cancer Research Institute Oxford.
With a broad background in both human genetics and developmental biology in a variety of model systems, he aims to deliver start-to-finish NGS solutions that optimally integrate experimental design, custom sequencing strategies, and downstream analysis.
Thereby, he built up extensive expertise with high-throughput sample processing and balancing approaches, including implementing and troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems.
Most recently, he is interested in hybrid sequencing approaches that combine the advantages of both short- and long-read technology in order to solve problems such as the resolution of complex structural variations in viral International Standards and deep characterization of Genomic Reference Materials for cancer diagnostics.