We are pleased to share that NHS England has now published updated guidance for the next phase of the NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence, which will run for two years from April 2026 to March 2028.
There is Expression of Interest (EOI) Guidance and Template available, via the links below.
The Networks of Excellence bring together the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), academia, the third sector and industry to generate evidence and models of adoption for new genomic technologies, testing and discoveries of strategic importance.
The aim is to strengthen collaboration across the genomic ecosystem and accelerate evaluation of innovations that can be adopted across the NHS, leading to better outcomes for patients and populations.
Building on the existing eight Networks currently funded until March 2026, NHS England has confirmed plans to extend and refresh this initiative with an updated set of priorities.
Networks will continue to focus on generating high-quality evidence of clinical utility, developing implementation models and informing national commissioning and policy decisions for the NHS GMS.
Please note that the deadline for submitting EOIs is 26 November 2025.
Expressions of interest are invited from both existing Networks seeking continuation and new proposals aligned with the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan. The submission deadline is 26 November 2025, with outcomes to be confirmed in February 2026.
In addition to current themes, NHS England has identified three new areas for inclusion:
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Integrated risk scores – supporting the development of evidence for and against, and the potential implementation of polygenic and integrated risk scores into clinical practice. This Network will leverage existing NHS and research expertise to evaluate the use of integrated risk scores in prevention and care pathways across multiple conditions.
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Improving diagnosis and treatment of brain cancers – working with partners such as the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, this Network will develop the evidence and commissioning approach for genomic sequencing in central nervous system tumours, including the use of long-read sequencing to support real-time decision making during surgery.
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Developing the evidence for functional genomics – in collaboration with the UK Human Functional Genomics Partnership and industry, this Network will explore the use of functional genomics in clinical care, focusing on areas such as undiagnosed rare disease, neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions.
If you would like to discuss a proposal or wish to submit an EOI for either an existing or new Network, please contact us at contactus@nw-gmsa.nhs.uk and we will ensure your request is directed to the relevant national leads.