We operate an in-house genetic testing service: https://www.cagt.co.uk. One way for stakeholders to support the Genetics Centre is to use this service for their DNA testing needs as all profits are used to fund our research. If your breed uses a test that CAGT does not currently offer, please contact us – we are always happy to discuss adding new tests to our portfolio.
FAQ Category: Funding - Corporate/Commercial
Are there opportunities to increase the commercial elements – many of us are using overseas labs for test/panels – also the pet market has strong interest in identifying breeds in mixed breed dogs. Could this not be used to offset research?
We operate an in-house genetic testing service, Canine Genetic Testing: https://www.cagt.co.uk. One way for stakeholders to support the Genetics Centre is to use this service for their DNA testing needs as all profits are used to fund our research. If your breed uses a test that CAGT does not currently offer, please contact us – we are always happy to discuss adding new tests to our portfolio.
Do you have a strategy for approaching commercial interests for funding?
We are having early conversations with a small number of corporate institutions. We are also seeking advice on the best way to extend these discussions and would welcome approaches from any companies would might be interested in supporting the Genetics Centre.
Can you also use your Intellectual Property to generate income for using your canine genome database?
We do not patent any of our research findings. It is technically difficult to do, and we do not consider it to be in the best interests of dogs, preferring to subject our findings to peer-review and place them in the public domain.
Has there been any funding sought from private institutions – like large pet food companies?
We are having early conversations with a small number of corporate institutions. We are also seeking advice on the best way to extend these discussions and would welcome approaches from any companies would might be interested in supporting the Genetics Centre.
Does the research you do translate to testable conditions that can be commercialised to help support the KCGC?
The majority of our research identifies genetic variants that form the basis of genetics tests that breeders use to reduce the frequency of the disease variants in populations at risk. We offer genetic tests for all the variants that we identify, via our in-house genetic testing service, Canine Genetic Testing: https://www.cagt.co.uk. One way for stakeholders to support the Genetics Centre is to use this service for their DNA testing needs as all profits are used to fund our research
Breed committees only meet about once a quarter so to take this “ask” to the breed clubs will take much longer than 6 weeks. I agree that Breed Clubs should and probably will make financial commitments to the CGC but it will probably take several months, even the rest of this year, for all clubs to get onboard and give their commitment. I think you will need a corporate plug before then.
We appreciate that Breed Clubs will need to take this request to their committees, and that for some it will not be possible to make a decision within the six week timeframe. We are investigating all corporate avenues that seem appropriate but, in reality, it will take a similar timeframe for a corporate plug to come into effect, as companies will have similar processes to negotiate. That is why we hope that individuals will consider donating, and indeed a few have done so already. Letters of intent from Breed Clubs, to confirm that they are at least considering making a donation would also be useful, and would help convince the University of Cambridge that the Genetics Centre has the backing of canine stakeholders.
