News and views

Find out about our latest news, activities, and opinions on genomics and its impact on research, health and society.

Platter of Kale, lentil, couscous, broccoli and feta salad.

Sustainability, science and success

For us, sustainability includes reducing our environmental impact, and boosting access and inclusion.

Researchers and students enjoying an activity around pathogen transmission.

Global training: Getting hands-on with helminths and community engagement

Read how we integrated community engagement into our Helminth Bioinformatics training course in Thailand in 2023 to support helminth research and disease control.

Dr Anne Bishop and Joshua Matthew, from the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Inspiring the next generation through our science engagement programme 

Meet two science engagement champions from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and discover why they’re passionate about inspiring young people.

Headshots of Julian Rayner and Ireena Dutta, in circles, first on white background, the other on yellow.

Dr Ireena Dutta appointed Interim Director of Wellcome Connecting Science

Professor Julian Rayner steps down after a decade.

A working group of six people sitting round a table, with someone writing ideas of a flip chart

What if…? Influencing research policy and practice through lived experience

Lived experience of disability, health and illness, is particularly pertinent when considering genomic research and its applications in diagnosing and treating specific diseases.

The participants, researchers and organisers of the IBD Bioresource meeting, held at the Wellcome Genome Campus.

IBD genetic feedback workshop creates an open conversation between patients and researchers

In November, we held a workshop with the NIHR BioResource and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, to bring IBD patients and researchers together, and create an open conversation on how to return additional findings in genomics research.

A snapshot of headshot photographs of the global community who contributed to the development of the COG-Train project.

Lessons from the pandemic: developing a model for global capacity building 

For Wellcome Connecting Science, the pandemic was the springboard for the COG-Train project, a pioneering initiative for building global capacity in genomics, in partnership with the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium.

Genomic Futures: creating inclusive careers programmes for the next generation of scientists

Over the past year, we have focussed on providing a wide range of free opportunities for school students and young people to interact with industry professionals and learn about careers in genomics.

Oil painting of an East Indiaman sailing ship c.1759. Attribution: Charles Brooking.

The History of Hinxton Hall: understanding our work in a historical context

The origins of Hinxton Hall, our Conference Centre, its foundation and ownership, have been mostly unknown to us, until last year, when we commissioned Historian, Melanie Backe-Hansen, to fill in the numerous gaps.

18 members of the Engagement and Society team, walking as a group outside.

Addressing inequality: supporting people for better science

At Connecting Science we aim to ensure that our professional-facing activities acknowledge structural inequality in the UK, and actively include and promote the participation of both current, and the next generation, of under-represented healthcare and research professionals.

LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award Winner 2023

Our virtual work experience course wins a LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award

Our interactive, free course, Genomics, Science and Data Careers, aimed to help young people experience the diverse range of career options in these fields.

Wellcome Connecting Science annual review 2023

Take a look back at some of our recent projects and activities, and their global impact, in our newly published Annual Review.

A black and white photo of Professor Julian Rayner.

Wellcome Connecting Science Director recognised by the UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences

We are delighted to announce that our Director, Professor Julian Rayner, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in the UK.

A working group of six people sitting round a table, with someone writing ideas of a flip chart

Citizens’ jury votes for government to begin serious discussion about potentially changing the law on editing human embryos

The jurors voted that the UK government should consider changing the law, albeit with strong recommendations on how the process should be handled.

The Francis Crick Auditorium, shot of the stage down tiered seating.

New insights into the experiences of different groups at research conferences in the UK

Exploring participation at conferences, and how we enhance our own learning and training offer.

New leadership roles in our Learning and Training team

Dr Michelle Bishop, Associate Director, Learning and Training, shares details about role developments within her leadership team.

Photo of a previous Citizens' Jury run by Involve. A room full of participants taking part in a discussion, some with their hands up. There is a board covered in yellow and pink post-it notes where notes have been written by jury memebers.

UK citizens’ jury to bring a patient voice to decisions about human embryos

A jury of 24 people with lived experience of genetic conditions will form a Citizens’ Jury hosted on the Wellcome Genome Campus.

A black and white photo of Professor Julian Rayner.

Wellcome Connecting Science Director honoured by EMBO

Our Director, Professor Julian Rayner, has been elected to membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

Photograph of Anna Middleton with quote about her research and genetic counselling experiences.

Building a foundation for Generation Genome

Two film projects explore the work and impact of genetic counsellors.

The Character of Science: can what we see on a reel be translated to real-life?

The accuracy of science in movies can be a contentious topic. But can we use as movies to make complex science relatable for students and the public?

Group of multi-coloured chairs facing inwards in a circle

Finding ways to listen

A recent national committment to increased public involvement coincides with a step change in our own efforts to enable the public to contribute to genomics research.

Tweet that reads: Great course with the AMR team

Translating training in the virtual world

The global pandemic forced some drastic changes to our training offer: this is how we tackled the transition to virtual and what happened next.

Graphic showing digital communication

Finding SPACE for research in a pandemic

How our new research project exploring the ethical challenges of data-driven medicine had to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Connecting Science Annual Review 2021

We’ve launched our new annual review, download it here.

Graphic with lots of people creating the shape of a DNA double helix.

Motivations to take part in research vary around the world

Media release: Being able to receive results is a key motivator that influences participation in research, according to public audiences from the USA, but is less important elsewhere in the world.

Drone photograph of Wellcome Genome Campus

Sanger Excellence Fellowship scheme opens

Are you interested in how we understand public perspectives on genomics? The intersection of ethics, policy, and genomics?

Logos of the Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public, University of Cambridge, The Kavli Foundation, and Welllcome Connecting Science

New centre to foster global conversations about ethical issues raised by science

The Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science and the Public will explore ethical implications of scientific discovery and its impact on society.

Aerial photo of Hinxton Hall and gardens, 1947

Hinxton Hall: Georgians, Jet Engines, and Genes

What do you know about Hinxton Hall?

A child representing three professions who might use genomic data; doctor, researcher, or industry.

Global perspectives on health, research and trustworthiness

Our Society and Ethics Research team has been analysing public perceptions of genomic and health data, and its users

Stories from Public Engagement Case studies

Wellcome Connecting Science Public Engagement team have put together story highlights from projects throughout the year.

An Important Era for Socialising the Genome

The fundamentals of genomics are becoming increasingly more relevant to society, however, it seems society could not be more disengaged.

Children's fridge magnetic letters spelling DNA DNA ATCCGATC

New recommendations for direct-to-consumer genetic and genomic tests

We welcome the recommendations in a new report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee

Next generation DNA sequencing machine

COG-UK and Wellcome Connecting Science receive funding for a global training programme in SARS-CoV-2 genomics

We are delighted to have been jointly awarded a Wellcome-FCDO Joint Initiative on Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response grant of nearly £1 million.

Circ Amber

You might have noticed that something about us looks a little different…

An update on our new brand.

I:DNA – an immersive exploration into the view of people living with genetic conditions

I:DNA became the creative vehicle to reach new audiences with the profound stories taken from the Imagine Futures study.

EUSEA

Team members appointed to boards of two leading European Public Engagement networks

Members of Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement have joined the EUSEA board and the ECSITE Spokes Editorial Committee.

Connecting Science Public Engagement Prizes 2020

Connecting Science Public Engagement Prizes 2020

Recognising outstanding efforts in engaging public or school audiences with Wellcome Genome Campus’ science, research and innovation.

Art therapy, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Prague

Embedding patient involvement in research: Experiences from the Cancer Research UK Mutographs project

The Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement team supports public engagement elements of large-scale research projects at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, as Development Coordinator Alena Pance explains.

A child representing three professions who might use genomic data; doctor, researcher, or industry.

Future Of Genomic Research at Risk Without Greater Public Trust in How Genetic Data Is Shared, Survey Finds

New findings on public trust from the Society and Ethics Research group

Wellcome Genome Campus Society and Ethics Research Lead on a UK Citizens Assembly.

Designer babies, mutant mozzies and frankenfoods: these are the images that often spring to mind when people think of genome editing.

Illustration of DNA and people

Why plumbers and teachers should have a say on designer babies and genetically enhanced potatoes

The Society and Ethics Research team are part of a new global project

Genome Lates speakers 27 August 2020

How exciting can a career in genomics be?

Four early-career scientists and researchers from the Wellcome Genome Campus introduce themselves ahead of their talk 'Genomic Futures' on 27 August.

Ghanian Charlie alongside English Charlie

Cultural sensitivity, the key to engaging research

Introducing Charlie, the Ghanaian star in the latest the Your DNA, Your Say survey, gathering the views of people around the world on online health data and how it might be used by others.

Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement home learning packs

Supporting home learning during lockdown and beyond

New home learning packs provide science education support for parents and teachers during the school closures and keep curious minds engaged over the holiday period.

Human genome and question marks

Genome Lates: Free online public talks to celebrate the 20th anniversary year of the Human Genome Project

First talk: ‘Reading the book of life: What has genome sequencing ever done for us?’ with Sanger Institute Director Mike Stratton on 30th July.

Human Cell Atlas

Covid-19 animation interprets recent Human Cell Atlas findings

Alena Pance from our Public Engagement team introduces the Human Cell Atlas and a new animation explaining the SARS-CoV-2 infection process.

Cover of Oxford Biology Primers - Genomics

New genomics text book for sixth form students

The new Genomics Oxford Biology Primer aims to bridge the gap between A-levels and undergraduate study.

Music of Life Short-film Selected for Raw Science Film Festival 2020

Music is a language that transcends many cultures, age groups, and cognitive abilities, making it a powerful tool to remove some of the opaqueness and ambiguity that often surrounds the topic of genomic medicine.

Telling the Story of DNA

It is likely that some of us have already had a form of genomic test already, maybe as part of a routine or in-depth health check, for research purposes or even as part of an online ancestry test.

#Ooh0 #266 23 30 April 2020 by Lucy Steggals

Next up at the Genome Gallery: The topic, the artist, and the challenges

Lucy Steggals to work with Wellcome Sanger Institute researchers, patient collaborators, and members of the public to develop our up-coming exhibition.

Drone photograph of Wellcome Genome Campus

Wellcome Genome Campus to close temporarily

In response to the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic, the Wellcome Genome Campus will close all but essential functions from Friday 20 March.

The duty of care: a genetic balancing act?

If you thought you were at risk of developing a condition would you want to know? Would you want your children to know? For some families this is much more than a philosophical dilemma – it is their life.

Equality and Diversity winners at Wellcome Genome Campus International Womens Day 2020

Equality and Diversity Champions: Connecting Science on International Women’s Day 2020

These awards reward those who actively embrace the Wellcome Genome Campus’ mission to support the development of the careers of women and under-represented groups.

Rare Disease Film Festival 2020

People with rare diseases and their families with rare diseases are one of the largest groups of patients and research participants for whom genome sequencing can have immediate clinical implications. Understanding their experiences is crucial to maximise the benefits of genomic research.

Hinxton Hall - Hinxton, Ickleton, and Duxford Flower Show - 1909

Local history project: Memories of Hinxton Hall

We are gathering memories of Hinxton Hall and need your help!

LifeLab

LifeLab 2019: A snapshot

LifeLab 2019 reached 3,500 adults and children in Cambridgeshire as part of European Researchers Night in September.

A child representing three professions who might use genomic data; doctor, researcher, or industry.

Genomics and big data — who do we trust?

Interpreting a genomic test result; creating datasets for analysis of diverse populations; and drug development, all require us to share our data. But how willing as a society are we to this? And who do we trust to share it with?                               

Public Talks

What are you doing on Wednesday? October public talks at the Wellcome Genome Campus

This October, all four scientific conferences organised by Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences have public talks as part of their programme.

Cover of European Journal of Medical Genetics Volume 62, Issue 5

European Journal of Medical Genetics - Special issue on Genetic Counselling

The special issue of this journal is guest edited by Anna Middleton, Barbara Biesecker and Christine Patch.

LIfeLab logo

LifeLab returns to Cambridgeshire for European Researchers' Night

An exciting programme of free events and activities for the Cambridgeshire region on 27/28 September.

Genetic engineering illustration

“Informed Consent” to edit embryos: what consent?

The principle of informed consent has long been a central element of research ethics, aimed at protecting individuals’ autonomy and right to self-determination, and preventing deception and coercion.

Primary School

Science is for everyone, Unconscious Bias training for Primary schools

Public Engagement gets Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inclusion and Diversity Fund grant to help end unconscious bias and stereotype threat in the primary school STEM classrooms.

Anna Middleton drawing family tree

The Future of Genetic Counselling

Dr Jonathan Roberts discusses how genetic counselling may develop in the new age of genomic medicine.

Cover of the 2018-2019 Connecting Science annual review

Connecting Science Annual Review 2018-2019

The review includes twelve excellent articles written by Connecting Science staff.

Genetic counselling

Free online course to help nurses with genetic counselling in the new genomic era

Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences announces the launch of its first online course in Genetic Counselling in partnership with FutureLearn.

New Public Dialogue Highlights Hopes and Concerns for Genomic Medicine in the UK

New Public Dialogue Highlights Hopes and Concerns for Genomic Medicine in the UK

A black and white photo of Professor Julian Rayner.

Julian Rayner to lead Cambridge Institute for Medical Research

From 1st May 2019, the Director of Connecting Science, Julian Rayner, will be embarking on an exciting new challenge, as Director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), part of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.

EDIS logo

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We are delighted to announce that we are part of EDIS.

Anna Middleton drawing family tree

Genetopia – The compelling stories and tensions behind genetic testing

DNA is central to our existence as a species, and yet it is a double-edged sword when it comes to questions of moral choice, emotional impact, and data ownership.

Genetic Disability, Experience and the Sorting Society

People living with genetic conditions can offer unique insights into what life with genetic disease is really like, in a way that medical descriptions of the conditions cannot. However, their perspectives have, for the most part, been under-represented in discussions of the social and ethical implications of sequencing technologies.

Francesca Gale, Education Development Lead at Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement

Q&A with Fran Gale, Education Development Lead

Fran Gale gives us an insight into her work, the many projects she's involved in, and the aim of the schools programme.

Developing a genomics workforce for the future

We discuss the recommendations of the Topol Review in relation to genomics.

Students enjoying the Curious Nature exhibition

25 Genomes Schools Competition winners visit the Wellcome Genome Campus

St Dominic's Grammar School, Belfast, visits Campus after winning 25 Genomes Schools Competition.

Actors in films created by Wellcome Genome Campus Society and Ethics Research

New films explore the ethical questions raised by the ABC versus St George’s NHS Trust case

The films aim to facilitate discussion around issues that are at the centre of a case that may lead to a legal change in the patient-doctor relationships of the future.

Human Embryo Editing: edging ever closer

The implanting of an edited embryo with the deliberate intent to lead to a pregnancy, is currently illegal in many countries. A change in the law is not going to happen any time soon [...] but the problem is that the consensus doesn’t exist yet, although the announcement is uniting the scientific community in opposition and disbelief.

Silver Engage Watermark (NCCPE)

Wellcome Genome Campus wins silver Watermark to recognise its support for public engagement

The Engage Watermark recognises strategic support for public engagement across the organisation, as well as the commitment to develop plans for the future.

A group of young children wearing a lab coats and gloves as part of a hands-on public event.

A look back at LifeLab 2018

September saw one of the world's largest science events come to Cambridge and Peterborough.

Image of Dr Charlie for Your DNA, Your Say survey

VIDEO: The technical whys and hows of the Your DNA, Your Say survey and its translations

Society and Ethics Research Team Manager, Lauren Farley, discusses her short film about the 'Your DNA Your Say' survey and its translations.

LIfeLab logo

LifeLab: Free events highlight discovery on your doorstep

LifeLab has launched an exciting programme of events for 28-29 September, to transform parts of Cambridge and Peterborough into centres of discovery and opportunity for the weekend.

Blackberry illustration

Explore the world around us with Curious Nature

A new exhibition exploring the Wellcome Sanger Institute's 25 Genomes project.

Graphic showing digital communication

A new deal on data – articulating the contract between science and people

Society and Ethics Research calls for a people-powered consultation, a conversation focusing on how science and humanity collaborate and win, together, when it comes to DNA data sharing.

Music of Life

Music of Life: A new communication tool for healthcare professionals

The Music of Life project comprises six short, musical films created for any health professional who needs to communicate genomic information to patients.

Gender balance

Blood, sweat and success: Implementing a gender balance policy

Scientific Programme Manager, Dr Treasa Creavin, shares her perspective on developing and applying a gender balance policy for Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences.

Wellcome Genome Campus staff science busking at The Big Weekend

Cambridge LIFE LAB project wins place in Europe's largest public science event

Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement and Wellcome Sanger Institute are part of the Cambridge LIFE LAB project that has won a place in Europe's largest public science event: European Researchers' Night.

Close up of 2018 Public Engagement Prizes booklet cover

First Connecting Science Public Engagement Prize winners announced

This new annual prize scheme coordinated by our Public Engagement team recognises outstanding efforts by Campus staff in engaging public or schools audiences with their work.

Photograph of laptop screen displaying DNA sequence data

New online course introduces bioinformatics to address skills-gap

Free online course - Bacterial Genomes: From DNA to protein function using bioinformatics - starts 11 June.

Connecting Science Annual Review 2017-18

Connecting Science Annual Review 2017-2018

The Connecting Science Annual Review 2017-2018, published in May 2018, showcases some of our highlights from the past year, picking out key projects and achievements from across our teams.

Online course

New online course in genetics of disease-causing bacteria launched for health professionals and biologists worldwide

This 3-week introduction to pathogen genomics, will be the first online course offered by wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences and is open to anyone to join.

Wormhunters comic book

Worm hunters: A comic book to tell science stories

The Worm Hunters project is an integrated whipworm egg collection and schools engagement programme in Colombia. One key engagement element was a comic book written for local school children.

Ken Skeldon at NUCLEUS conference 2017

Wellcome Genome Campus joins NUCLEUS to share knowledge around learning and engagement

The ambitious HORIZON 2020 NUCLEUS project has been further strengthened by the joining of the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge, UK as the 25th member of the consortium.

Genomic Expressions

Genomic Expressions: What does genomics mean to you?

Becky Gilmore, curator of Genomic Expressions, talks about the most personal Wellcome Genome Campus exhibition to date.

Portrait of Dr Alice Matimba

Q&A with Alice Matimba, Overseas Courses Development Officer

Dr Alice Matimba shares her passion for developing and delivering courses on biomedical and genomic sciences in low- and middle-income countries.

Café Sci Cambridge logo

Cambridge Café Sci relaunches in February

Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement relaunches Café Sci in Cambridge this February

Classroom learning on Working with Pathogen Genomics, Vietnam 2017

Developing skills in bioinformatics for pathogen genome analysis in Asia

Understanding pathogen genomes, how they evolve and which genes are essential for their ability to cause disease, is a key part of the battle to reduce the global disease burden. But capacity for research and skills for genome data analysis are limited in most low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and South America and the Caribbean.

Stars of human evolution gather at new multi-disciplinary conference

200 geneticists, palaeontologists, archaeologists, and primatologists, gathered at the Wellcome Genome Campus in November to celebrate the ancient DNA field.

Image from Autobiography, set designer Ben Cullen Williams

Wayne McGregor works with Wellcome Genome Campus scientists on Autobiography

World-renowned choreographer, Wayne McGregor, has been working with Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement and scientists from the Wellcome Genome Campus to prepare for his new work, Autobiography, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in London on 4th October.

Image of Bob Resta talking at the World Congress on Genetic Counselling 2017. Image by Pooja Dasani

First World Congress for Genetic Counselling takes place at the Wellcome Genome Campus

Connecting Science's Anna Middleton gives us her perspective on the meeting.

Orkney International Science Festival logo

Hands-on genomics at Orkney International Science Festival 2017

Our Public Engagement team headed north to get stuck into Orkney International Science Festival 2017

Image of Trichuris muris by David Goulding (Wellcome Sanger Institute)

UK-wide schools genomics project launched to help solve global parasite problem

The first large-scale schools genome decoding project launched on 28 September 2017 by the Institute for Research in Schools and the Wellcome Genome Campus.

Exploring Human Hostmicrobiome interactions and disease conference

Exploring the Microbiome - moving on from association to causation

150 international scientists and clinicians gathered to discuss the latest research on the microbiome at the 6th Exploring Human Host-Microbiome Interactions in Health and Disease conference.

Image of Clinical Microbiology in Africa 2017 course participants

Strengthening capacity in infectious disease detection in Africa

The latest iteration of the popular 'Molecular Approaches to Clinical Microbiology in Africa' laboratory course provided training for scientists and clinicians from across Africa.

Genetic engineering illustration

Developing innovation and collective impact in public engagement within genome editing

Public Engagement is helping to scope out approaches and challenges in public engagement with genome editing.

Genetic counselling

Key policy statement on germline editing informed by Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science

An international group of 11 organisations with clinical genetics expertise has issued a policy statement on germline genome editing in humans.

Image of students working at computers during Genomics and Epidemiological Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens Course 2017

Seed Funding Pilot for Collaborative Research Projects following Costa Rica Advanced Course

Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences are piloting seed funding year-long research projects in Latin America and the Caribbean

Image of Annual review 2016-2017 cover

First Connecting Science annual review launched

Our first annual review is now available to download.

EMS lanyard

Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre boosts its offering for event organisers

Press release: We have launched a new initiative aimed at event organisers, offering a comprehensive range of event management services.

Wellcome Genome Campus excavation site, Image Courtesy of Oxford Archaeology East

Hidden Lives Revealed in a New Exhibition at the Wellcome Genome Campus

Combining archaeology with cutting-edge genomics research, Hidden Lives unearths the secrets of some very early South Cambridgeshire residents.

Students on Malaria Experimental Genetics course in Ghana, 2017

Malaria Experimental Genetics course travels to Ghana

The Malaria Experimental Genetics course was established in 2011 and has proved popular with malaria researchers from all over the world.

Next Generation Sequencing scientific image

Teaching Next Generation Sequencing technologies to biomedical researchers

On the latest course sixteen enthusiastic participants learnt about this essential tool for genome and genetic analysis of human and infectious disease.

Legal duty to share genetic information goes to trial

Are the views of patients and the public relevant to determining what is in the public interest? If so, what are those views? Maybe it’s time we asked.

Read about the how and whys of the ‘Counselling skills for genomics’ module, part of the new Mst in Genomic Medicine at the University of Cambridge.

Supporting health professionals to talk ‘genetics’ with patients

Read about the how and whys of the ‘Counselling skills for genomics’ module, part of the new Mst in Genomic Medicine at the University of Cambridge.

Legal duty to share genetic information? ABC v St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust

Guest blog by Dr Vicky Chico, Legal Consultant, Society and Ethics Research Group, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge

Photo of Dr. Kathleen Calzone, Prof. Judith Shamian, Prof. Maggie Kirk at G2NA retreat

Leading the genomics revolution in everyday nursing practice

The first G2NA retreat identified how to get genomics integrated into practice, policy, professional development, and nursing curricula worldwide.

Cambridge Science festival 2017

Connecting Science at the Cambridge Science Festival 2017

View events hosted by Connecting Science's Public Engagement and Society and Ethics Research teams at the Cambridge Science Festival 2017

The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre

Stunning new website completes Conference Centre refurbishment

The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre has launched its striking new website, giving visitors a real feel for the venue.

A black and white photo of Professor Julian Rayner.

Q&A with Julian Rayner, Director, Connecting Science

Dr Julian Rayner reflects on the impact of genomic research and combining malaria research with leading a learning and engagement programme.

Photo from a Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences lab course

Innovative learning events for a global audience

The Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences (ACSC) programme has a long history of creating and organising innovative learning events for a global audience.

Image of yourgenome website homepage

yourgenome - Enabling you to get to grips with genomics

Yourgenome is devoted to sharing the fascinating, fast-paced, and sometimes daunting world of DNA, genes, and genomes with the public.

Image of animator's hand drawing a gnome in the word genome

Society and Ethics Research: what do we really think about genomics?

We listen and learn as well as share and inform.

Image of film festival laurels

Society and Ethics Research films find new festival-going audiences

This autumn shorts films produced by Wellcome Genome Campus Society and Ethics Research are being shown in festivals in Europe and the USA.

Image of Pompeiian Room laid out for a meal

Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre: delivering quality and excellence

We are passionate about ensuring everything we do, from experience to environment, is of the highest possible quality.

Image from Stutterer artwork

‘Poetry machine’ artwork exploring the Human Genome Project comes home

Renowned artists Thomson & Craighead display their artwork exploring the human genome, Stutterer, at the UK home of the Human Genome Project.

Microscopic image of Shingella pathogen

Overseas Course participants produce first original paper

Twenty students on an Overseas Course in Argentina not only developed their skills in pathogen surveillance but have also produced the programme’s first research paper!

Close up from grafitti wall done as part of the Prioritising Participation event

Your Genome, Your Research Agenda

Listening to patient experiences of genome sequencing.

Micro photo of red blood cells, credit: Annie Cavanagh copyright: Wellcome Images

Exploring genomes, one cell at a time - Single Cell Genomics conference 2016

In September 2016, Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences welcomed scientists from across the world to their Single Cell Genomics conference at the Wellcome Genome Campus.

Children's fridge magnetic letters spelling DNA DNA ATCCGATC

DNA and Big Data: be part of the conversation

What are your thoughts on sharing your DNA data with others?

Image of Dr Charlie for Your DNA, Your Say survey

Your DNA, Your Say: global survey on online health data and sharing

Your DNA Your Say is an ambitious, global research project in the form of a ‘film-survey’ experience gathering the views of people around the world on online health data and how it might be used by others.

Photo: child dressed as harry potter looks into the lens

Talking about genetics with children? Use Harry Potter

Guest blog from Jon Roberts, doctoral student from Kings College London and Wellcome Genome Campus.

Still from artwork AfterGlow, by boredomresearch

Silent Signal at the Wellcome Genome Campus Cultural Zone

Silent Signal is an ambitious group exhibition exploring new ways of thinking about the human body.

dinosaur next to double helix

Cinema Magic for Engagement with Genomics

Guest blog post from Jon Roberts, genetic counsellor and PhD student at KCL and Wellcome Genome Campus. Jon is exploring how popular films and books reach the public and contribute to understanding and communication about genetics.

The ‘Making Of’ GeneTube Project

A video overview of what we did in the Socialising the Genome project.

Illustration from animation called 'Search Me'

Socialising the Genome: Sparking discussions about genomics in everyday life

The Society and Ethics Research team has launched a project called Socialising the Genome to explore how to turn genomics from an anti-social concept to a more social one.

History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation

History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation

History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation.

Abstract illustration of DNA helix, made up of grey and coloured dots

Largest survey of public attitudes shows perceived value of genomic data

The study starts an important and on-going conversation about how our genomic data is used.

“If you know it, I’d like to know it too” – involving participants in genomics research

We need to continue to ask people, in a multitude of ways, how they want to engage with the issues highlighted.

Human genome and question marks

Lancet publishes Genomethics research

Engaging with the public, health professionals and scientists about how genetics is likely to shape healthcare and asking everyone to play a part in these major decisions is incredibly important. As research develops and the capabilities of genomic sequencing increase, we will need to continue this conversation.

words/typography that reads: I'm a Scientist get me out of here

Leading questions

Wellcome Trust supported 'I'm a Scientist': public engagement activity with school kids.

Opportunistic genomic screening: the voices that need to be heard

In the near future, with the impetus from Genomics England, whole-genome sequencing will become part of clinical practice in the NHS.

Next Generation Sequencing scientific image

Attention The Times: Prince William’s DNA is not a toy

Your DNA contains information about your past, present and future: From medical health, such as predispositions to diabetes, to your ancestry.

Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer comments on Genomethics

We asked Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer to the British government for some feedback on our research.

‘No choice for you’ according to the ACMG

Family have exome sequencing to determine son's diagnosis.

Genomic Expressions

DNA Sequencing – Can You Handle the Truth?

Maybe, genetic knowledge is indeed power.

Channel 4 news article on Genomethics survey

Channel 4 news ran a newspiece in 2014 on our research all about what people want to know from their genes

Should patients know that they are research subjects?

Would you want to know if you are research subject?  Is it enough that your spare bits are donated willingly, and for the good of science? Or would you like to know what sorts of projects your bits will kindly participate in before given the opportunity to consent or decline?