European institutions: applications are open for CGI-500genomes

Published On: 21 April 2026 | Categories: #news, #project | 2.3 min read |

The CGI-Clinics project is pleased to announce that the second open call for the CGI-500genomes initiative is now live.

CGI-Clinics is a community-driven European project advancing precision medicine in oncology through better genomic data interpretation. The consortium brings together 17 partner organisations across five countries – including hospitals, cancer researchers, and patient associations – all working to make tumour genomic data more useful in clinical settings.

As part of this work, we are launching CGI-500genomes: a collaborative effort to sequence 500 tumour genomes and build a shared database combining genomic and clinical data to advance cancer research and improve patient care.

We are now inviting European institutions to apply to contribute their cohorts to this initiative – with sequencing costs fully covered.

What’s on offer? If your institution holds a clinically relevant cancer cohort, we will cover the full cost of sequencing – either Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) or Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) – for your selected samples. You will also receive:

  • Full data analysis, including mutation interpretation via the Cancer Genome Interpreter (CGI) platform
  • Dedicated support throughout the entire process, from sample preparation to data deposition
  • Integration into the wider CGI-Clinics network

Who can apply? European hospitals and research institutions with clinically interesting cancer patient cohorts – particularly where genomic findings are complex or difficult to interpret. Both prospective and retrospective cohorts will be considered, though prospective studies will be prioritised.

What is required in return? In the spirit of open science, successful applicants commit to:

  • Providing tumour samples with matched normal controls (e.g. blood)
  • Supplying accompanying clinical data (diagnosis, treatment, outcomes etc.)
  • Ensuring patients have consented to their data being used for research
  • Depositing the resulting data into a controlled-access public repository such as the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA)

Applicants are responsible for covering the cost of shipping samples to the National Center for Genomic Analysis (CNAG) in Barcelona, where all sequencing will take place.

Key dates

  • Application deadline: 21 May 2026
  • Notification of selection: end of June 2026
  • Sequencing begins: July 2026 (retrospective cohorts) / February 2027 (prospective cohorts)

350 sequencing slots are available in this call, with between 6 and 10 projects expected to be selected.

How to apply Full applicant guidelines and the application form are available at the link below. To apply, complete the application form and submit it – along with proof of ethics committee submission – to cgi500genomes@irbbarcelona.org by 21 May 2026.

Please also contact us at the same address before the deadline to request your CGI License and Data Processing Agreement, both of which must be in place before samples can be shipped.

Full details and application documents: https://www.cgiclinics.eu/cgi-500genomes/

We look forward to welcoming new institutions into the CGI-Clinics community. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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