GW4 LEGACY (Lymph NodE Single-Cell Genomics AnCestrY) Network
University of Bath: John Campbell
University of Bristol: Paul Verkade
Cardiff University: Lucy Jones (PI)
University of Exeter: Peter Cook
Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped organs and the immune system command centres. Human research typically studies blood samples, providing an incomplete picture of immune responses to infection, immunisation, inflammation and immunotherapies. The GW4 LEGACY Network unites multidisciplinary expertise from Cardiff, Exeter, Bath, and Bristol to bridge this gap in tissue immunity research. By integrating GW4 clinical, wet-lab, and data scientists, this grant establishes collaborative expertise to transform immunology research knowledge-transfer, research delivery and training across the GW4, positioning the region at the forefront of tissue immunity, enabling access to UK LEGACY IIII collaborative funding bids to implement impactful, sustainable research.
The GW4 Generator fund will support the following activities across the 6-month award period:
- GW4 LEGACY Launch (Bristol, June 2026): Kick-off event to define network scope, align research themes, and initiate collaborations with input from MRC LEGACY IIII speakers.
- Clinical Research Workshops (Bristol/Exeter, July & September): Two one-day sessions on ethics, regulation, and patient pathways, with content converted into a lasting virtual resource.
- Laboratory Knowledge Transfer (June–October): Cross-site lab visits and seminars providing hands-on training and strengthening inter-institutional collaboration.
- Data Science Workshop (Bath, August): One-day workshop on bioinformatics, multi-omics, and AI modelling, establishing shared standards for high-quality datasets.
- Ultrasound Training (Cardiff, October): Practical workshop on ultrasound-guided sampling, including SOP development and creation of shared training materials.
