Cambridge-based Enhanc3D Genomics, which develops disruptive technologies to unlock the 3D spatial genome for target and biomarker discovery, has appointed Dr Daniel Turner as chief scientific officer.

Enhanc3D Genomics has established a genome-wide 3D-sequencing platform (GenLink3D) that can globally connect enhancer regions and genome-wide association study risk loci to their core target genes.

Turner is tasked with advancing the company’s scientific strategy, extending its GenLink3D technology into next-generation versions that require only minimal, or even single cell-level, inputs. Turner will also build additional commercial and academic partnerships for the development of candidate therapeutic targets identified from the GenLink3D platform.

Turner has extensive experience of genomics technology development and commercialisation and has more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience of genetics, molecular biology, and sequencing research. For 13 years he has worked at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, as senior vice-president, vice-president and senior director of applications. Before that, he was head of sequencing technology development at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

Dr Hazel Jones, chief operating officer and interim chief executive of Enhanc3D Genomics, said: “Dan joins us at an exciting stage in the company’s development as we begin to steer towards commercialisation. His expertise and guidance, based on his vast experience in successfully leading multidisciplinary teams in genomics and technology development, will be pivotal to the delivery of our strategic growth initiatives.”

Turner commented: “Enhanc3D Genomics has an exceptional reputation in the field of 3D genomics, and I’m delighted to take this opportunity to help drive the development of its technology further. There is extensive scope to expand the technology into other disease areas as the company continues to build its database of candidate therapeutic targets.”