My focus is in supporting Sanger’s scientific programmes on all of the requirements under the Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit-Sharing regulations for the use of non-human samples in research. As part of this, I carry out research on ABS requirements, review ABS processes and work with internal and external stakeholders ranging from scientists and Sample Management teams at the Institute to in-country collaborators as and when needed. These processes also involve maintaining a robust and auditable process to enable the risk-based investigation and timely reporting of non-compliance incidents along with enabling the full tracking of information relating to compliance of the Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit-Sharing regulations. This also involves working proactively to build effective relationships with the regulators and National Focal Points overseeing ABS in countries across the world. These global relationships support the increase in the understanding of ABS and the Nagoya Protocol and continue to help smooth the way for efficient compliance alongside the continuation of cutting-edge genomics research.
I am a Research Governance Manager in the Research Governance (RG) team which sits as part of Wellcome Sanger Institute’s Legal and Governance (LeGo) department. The Research Governance team are responsible for advising Sanger Institute staff about compliance with applicable laws and regulations associated with the use of materials in research, including the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) and associated Institute policies.