The 100,000 Genomes Project started in 2013 in the United Kingdom and was initiated by Prime Minister David Cameron. Genomics England led the research with the states goals of creating an ethical and transparent program based on consent, to set up a genomic medical service for NHS patients, to enable medical discoveries, and to initiate the development of the genomics industry in the United Kingdom.
Every participant in the project had at least one genome sequenced. Those with cancer had three genomes sequenced, with two taken from the tumor and one taken from blood. Participants had access to 11 Genomic Medical Centers where they could go to participate in the project. The centers were also used to identify and recruit participants. The project developed mechanisms for validating the results and gave feedback to the participants regarding their rare diseases. In 2016, the first diagnoses of children were returned. As of 2018, the project has reached its goal of sequencing 100,000 genomes and the NHS has utilized the insights from the project to create and launch the Genomic Medicine Service.
