Layoffs at Washington University's Genome Institute

Washington University’s Genome Institute has laid off 54 employees, according to a new release from the school.

Wash U said the layoffs are due to a cut in federal funding for large-scale genome centers like Washington University's. The Genome Institute is located at 4444 Forest Park Ave, in St. Louis.

The university said its federal funding is falling by approximately 23 percent. Funding fromthe National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) makes up about 60 percent of the Genome Institute’s annual budget.

While fluctuations in staffing are not unusual, 54 is the largest number of employees affected at one time, according to the news release.

The layoffs will take effect November 1, and will impact employees in most areas of the Genome Institute, including administration, analysis, assembly, production and informatics.