University of Manchester Core Research Facilities
The University of Manchester hosts a comprehensive suite of core research facilities that provide essential expertise and infrastructure for life sciences research. These platforms are designed to support both discovery science and translational research by offering advanced technologies, specialised equipment, and skilled staff across multiple disciplines. From bioimaging and proteomics to computational biology and single-cell analysis, these shared resources enable high-quality, collaborative research and innovation across the University.
Together, these platforms create a rich research environment that supports MRCC’s mission to improve the diagnosis, understanding and treatment of rare diseases. MRCC and its partners are helping to drive meaningful progress for patients affected by rare conditions in the following ways.
Genomic Technologies Core Facility
The Genomic Technologies Core Facility provides state-of-the-art sequencing and gene analysis tools, enabling MRCC researchers to analyse DNA, RNA and epigenetic modifications and investigate the molecular basis of rare conditions. These techniques are also essential for identifying pathogenic variants, exploring gene regulation, and discovering biomarkers that could support diagnosis or targeted therapies in rare conditions.
Genome Editing Unit
The Genome Editing Unit offers expertise in precise gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9. This facility enables MRCC researchers to model rare genetic mutations in a range of systems, including immortalised cell lines and stem cells. These models are crucial for validating the effects of specific variants and for developing potential therapeutic approaches. The unit provides full project support, from design and cloning to screening and characterisation of edited lines.
Anthony Adamson
Genome Editing Unit Manager
Stoller Analytical Centre for Clinical Discovery and Diagnosis
The Stoller Analytical Centre for Clinical Discovery and Diagnosis provides the infrastructure and technical expertise to support in-depth interrogation and characterisation of clinical samples. The team at the Stoller Centre work with MRCC researchers to get the most out of each clinical sample by utilising a range of biomolecular, mass spectrometry and flow cytometry techniques.
NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF)
The Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) provides state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the delivery of high-quality, early-phase and experimental medicine research. Hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and aligned with the University of Manchester, the CRF offers purpose-built space, specialist clinical teams, and 24/7 capabilities to enable safe and effective research involving patients and volunteers. It delivers early phase studies (first-in-human through to Phase IIb/III) in adults and children across all therapeutic areas, with an extensive track record of supporting over 600 early-phase commercial and academic clinical trials with a diverse team of experienced research staff. In this respect, the Manchester CRF plays a key role in translating scientific discoveries into new diagnostics, treatments, and interventions.
Bioinformatics and digital support
The NIHR Manchester BRC Digital Infrastructure team, based at the Christabel Pankhurst Institute, offers advanced data science expertise, including study design, statistical modelling, clinical‑outcome prediction, and analytic pipelines. In collaboration with Unit M, the Christabel Pankhurst Institute is hosting the UK´s first In-silico Regulatory Science and Innovation Centre of Excellence. This initiative aims to use in silico evidence make medical product testing and approval processes faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Prof. Sid Banka is leading on the rare conditions aspect of this project.
The University of Manchester Bioinformatics and Computation platform supports omics and imaging data analysis, from proteomics and transcriptomics to single-cell sequencing and bioimaging. They offer bespoke services, including experimental design consultation, quality control, statistical analysis, secure data archiving, manuscript support, and public‑repository submission. They guide researchers through the full lifecycle of bioinformatics workflows, produce publication‑grade outputs, handle reviewer feedback, and contribute as co-authors when needed.