February 25, 2026
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We are excited to announce the recipient of our 2026 Genome Assembly Grant – a program designed to empower researchers to build high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assemblies using advanced 3D genomics tools. After a rigorous review of a highly competitive field of proposals spanning diverse areas of genomics, one genome assembly project distinguished itself for its bold scope and potential to reshape the field.
Grant Recipient: Ruta Sahasrabudhe, PhD
Lab: DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Core at the Genome Center
Institution: UC Davis
Project Title: Accelerating Haplotype-Phased Chromosome-Scale Genome Assemblies Across Diverse Taxa: Integrating CiFi Protocols at the UC Davis DNA Tech Core
Project Overview: Hi-C data play a crucial role in generating haplotype-phased chromosome-scale genome assemblies in conjunction with long-read sequencing using PacBio HiFi and ONT technologies. Hi-C libraries are typically sequenced using short-read sequencing platforms, which generate 150 bp paired-end reads, limiting the number of contacts and mapping resolution. CiFi, a new method recently developed by McGinty, Kaya et al. combines traditional Hi-C approaches with PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing to generate long and highly accurate multi-contact reads. This method provides several advantages over traditional Hi-C sequencing. It captures multiple proximally interacting regions in a single read, improves mapping resolution in complex repetitive regions as well as haplotype assignment, requires lower inputs, and offers a simplified workflow.
At the DNA Technologies Core at the University of California Davis, they work with diverse species ranging from microbes, plants to marine invertebrates, insects, amphibians and mammals. CiFi data will be very valuable in generating haplotype-phased chromosome-scale genome assemblies from such diverse species. Reagents and guidance provided by Arima Genomics’ 2026 Genome Assembly Grant Program will be very valuable to the core facility to start implementing CiFi protocols in these non-model organisms, benefiting diverse research needs.
About the DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Core: The lab offers high-throughput short and long read sequencing, genotyping, single-cell and spatial biology, as well as training and consultation. With the help of Arima Genome Assembly Grant, they will offer CiFi library preparation and sequencing to generate haplotype-phased chromosome-scale genome assemblies from diverse species.
We congratulate Ruta Sahasrabudhe, PhD, and the DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Core at the UC Davis Genome Center for their outstanding 2026 Genome Assembly Grant proposal and look forward to the chromosome-scale genome assemblies and new biological insights this project will generate across diverse species.
Thank you to all who applied, and to every investigator working to advance human knowledge, biodiversity, and health through genomic innovation powered by 3D genomics and Hi-C–based genome assembly.
Stay tuned for future grant opportunities and updates on how Arima’s genome assembly solutions enable you to build high-quality reference genomes and accelerate discovery in your own research.
