The University of Sheffield and Reading Scientific Services Limited KTP 24_25 R2

A new partnership between the University of Sheffield and Reading Scientific Services Limited will develop novel methods for sequencing messenger RNA that meet strict regulatory standards. Messenger RNA carries genetic instructions from DNA to a cell's protein-making machinery. Sequencing it reveals which genes are active in a given cell or tissue at a given time—critical information for developing vaccines, diagnosing disease, and understanding how cells respond to treatments. Current sequencing methods are powerful but often fall short of the rigorous validation and reproducibility standards required by regulators such as the MHRA or FDA. Without regulatory-compliant methods, promising RNA-based diagnostics and therapies cannot reach patients or markets. If successful, this project will produce sequencing protocols that can withstand regulatory scrutiny, accelerating the path from discovery to approved product. The immediate impact is on the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries, which rely on trusted data to make decisions about drug safety and patient treatment. The methods could also improve quality control in manufacturing processes for RNA-based medicines, ensuring consistency batch to batch. This is not a project with direct consumer applications; its value lies in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins modern molecular medicine.