MGI Single Cell & Spatial Grant 2026
Queensland

Grant Recipients Announced
MGI Announces Recipients of the Single Cell & Spatial Grant 2026 (Queensland)
MGI is pleased to announce the recipients of the MGI Single Cell & Spatial Grant – Queensland 2026, supporting innovative research across the local scientific community.
Following a competitive review process, 8 projects have been selected across two streams: STOmics (Spatial) and Single Cell. The selected projects demonstrated strong scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with advanced multi-omics applications.
The following recipients have confirmed consent for public announcement (listed in order of consent received):
A/Prof. Kate Gartlan
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infection & Immunity
Dr Asmerom Sengal
Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland
Dr Man Kumar Tamang
Queensland University of Technology; Translational Research Institute
Ms Lilibeth Cardenas
Queensland University of Technology
Dr Jessica Rooke
Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland
Mr Minwoo Kim
Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland
Dr Jennifer Gunter
Queensland University of Technology; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre
Dr. Andrea Henden
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Awardees will be supported through the MGI Australia Customer Experience Centre (CEC) in Brisbane, with access to advanced technologies, technical expertise, and local workflow support.
We sincerely thank all applicants for the high quality of submissions and strong engagement.

Awards Stream

Stream Winners Support Per Winner
STOmics
4
2 × Stereo-seq chips + sample processing* & sequencing + preliminary analysis
Single Cell
4
1 × Single Cell 4-rxns kit + sample processing* & sequencing + preliminary analysis
AUD $150,000+

Total Program Support: Includes reagents, technical consultation, sample processing*, sequencing, and preliminary analysis.

*Processing subject to Submission Requirements or MGI's discretion

Program Requirements

STOmics Stream

Conditions

  • Winners must mount tissues on chips according to STOmics protocols.
  • RNA quality (RIN/DV200) must meet stream criteria.
  • Sample submission deadline: 31 July 2026.
  • Output: ≥ 1.5 billion reads per chip provided.
  • Preliminary data analysis included.

Sample Requirements

Fresh Frozen (FF): Rapidly preserved, suitable for cryosectioning, RIN ≥ 4.
FFPE (Stereo-seq OMNI): Standard pathology workflows, DV200 ≥ 30%.

Histological assessment (H&E) and 1cm x 1cm coverage are critical.

Single Cell Stream

Conditions

  • Winner must prepare single suspension.
  • QC (counting, viability, purity) must be completed prior to submission.
  • Sample submission deadline: 31 July 2026.
  • Output: ≥ 1.5 billion reads per chip.
  • Preliminary data analysis is included in the program.

Sample Requirements

Suspension Preparation: Prepared by winner; MGI can offer protocol recommendations.
Input Quality Criteria: >80% viability, <5% clumping, <5% impurities.

Winner must have all 4 samples ready to process simultaneously.

What's included?

✅ Included

  • ✓ Reagents and chips specified in award
  • ✓ Sample processing* and sequencing
  • ✓ Preliminary data output
  • ✓ Technical consultation
*Sample processing is subject to samples meeting Submission Requirements or MGI's discretion.

❌ Not Included

  • ✕ Sample submission QC
  • ✕ Shipping costs to the CEC in Queensland
  • ✕ Additional chips/kits beyond the award

Grant Timeline

23 Feb 2026
Applications Open
›
31 Mar 2026
Applications Close
›
20 Apr 2026
Winners Announced
›
Apr–Jul 2026
Project Execution
›
31 Jul 2026
Sample Deadline
›
Nov–Dec 2026
Data Delivery

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply?

🌏
Queensland based
✏️
Any researcher from an academic, research, or not-for-profit institution

Selection Criteria

🔬 Scientific Merit & Innovation
⚙️ Feasibility & Program Scope
📦 Sample Readiness (July)
🎯 Impact & MGI Tech Alignment