Case Study: University of Michigan speeds genomics research with Google for Education

University of Michigan speeds genomics research with Google for Education, processing 150,000 whole genome sequences

The University of Michigan's TOPMed team faced the challenge of processing and sharing 150,000 whole genome sequences and petabytes of clinical data. They needed a fast, scalable, and cost-effective solution to handle this unprecedented data size and facilitate collaboration among a nationwide consortium of researchers, moving beyond traditional high-performance computing limitations.

Google for Education implemented a solution using Google Compute Engine and Pre-emptible VMs. This allowed the team to process years of data preparation in just a few months. By using containers for easy deployment and reproducibility, Google for Education enabled researchers to analyze data and make discoveries much sooner. The solution also broadened access to the data for all contributors, accelerating research into the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

University of Michigan