Women's health, free training resources, conferences, malaria funding awards

Spotlight on the women's health agenda

As we become increasingly aware of the impact that disparities in health experiences between men and women, have on society, it is crucial that scientific research focuses on approaches to address gender inequities in healthcare.

Globally, scientists are working towards a new phase in women's health research, where sex and gender are considered from cell-based research through to clinical studies, in order to address knowledge gaps across many areas of health and disease.

As part of this collective effort, we need to determine the priorities for scientists, as well as develop appropriate learning and training to support these new ambitions.

In the first of a two-part focus on women's health, we introduce some thoughts on how genomics can contribute, and how you can get involved with like-minded peers at a brand new conference, in January 2025.

Look out for part two in July, where researchers and clinical experts share their thoughts on how we drive forward better research and healthcare outcomes for women.

Click here to read more

Participation at in-person conferences: a catalyst for professional collaboration

In-person scientific conferences have always been considered an integral part of the academic experience. They provide access to the latest research, insights on new tools and technologies, spaces for networking with peers, and a platform to showcase your own work.

However, as a leading provider of genomics-focused research meetings, we understand that many challenges prevent equitable access to these valuable profile raising opportunities. Access to funding, sourcing affordable travel options, and finding the time to leave your laboratory or clinic,?impose significant barriers to attending in-person learning events, despite the multiple benefits to careers and scientific discovery. This is compounded for caregivers, responsible for children or dependents, and where alternative arrangements must be found before you can attend events.??

Whilst alternative conferencing options, such as virtual attendance and on-demand access, offer a solution, these formats are unable to rival the face-to-face experiences that often lead to interesting and unexpected professional relationships - a catalyst for stronger collaborations in the future.

Learn more about the benefits of attending a Connecting Science conference in-person, and what we are doing to support equitable access, regardless of your circumstances.

Click here to read more

Insights into the experiences of minoritised groups at UK research meetings

Building on our commitment to serve all our scientific communities with open and inclusive learning environments, we have invested in understanding more about the barriers to participation experienced by member of minoritised groups, based in the UK.

Working with colleagues from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we intend to use the findings from this investigation to consider approaches for how we make our conferences more inclusive and accessible for the entire research community, regardless of background or personal circumstances.

Insights from this work are available to read in an article on the Connecting Science website, and through Wellcome Open Research. In the meantime, we are reflecting on what we have learnt so far, and how this might shape our events and polices to benefit everyone!

Click here to read more

Free online course for scientists interpreting genomic variants

Explore the process of variant classification and interpretation to strengthen studies using genomic data and genetic information, with our brand new online course: Interpreting Genomic Variation: Overcoming Challenges in Diverse Populations.

Our expert-led, free course will guide you through everything you need to know to get started with classifying and interpreting genomic variants. Whether you are new to the discipline, or looking to improve on what you already know, you will gain experience through real-world case studies, exposing you to the complicating factors and sources of uncertainty you are likely to encounter in research or clinical practice.

Join our educators and fellow learners, live over three weeks, starting 24 June 2024.

Learning is supported through the FutureLearn platform.

Click here to find out more and sign up for a place

Free online training course for biologists interested in bioinformatics training

We are offering another opportunity to strengthen your bioinformatics knowledge and skills, through our free online training course: Bioinformatics for Biologists: Analysing and Interpreting Genomics Datasets.

Delivered in partnership with FutureLearn, you will explore the potential of bioinformatics for processing and analysing genomics data, and network with global peers with similar learning needs and challenges.

Through practical online exercises, our expert instructors will guide you through how to navigate Linux using the command line, how to write scripts, how to adapt current workflows for your own needs, and how to prepare data files for further analysis and visualisation.

Join us through the FutureLearn platform, live over three weeks, starting 17 June 2024.

Click here to find out more and sign up for a place

Funding awards, generous bursaries, and leading malaria scientists

We have a number of exciting opportunities for malaria scientists interested in attending our September 2024, Genomic Epidemiology of Malaria conference (GEM24).

Firstly, in honour of the late Professor Dominic Kwiatkowski, two ￡5K personal funding awards, intended for malaria genomics researchers, based in malaria-endemic countries, have been made possible by contributions from Dominic's family and close friends. To be considered, your application must be submitted by 4 June 2024; the winners will be announced at our GEM24 meeting.

For anyone facing difficulties accessing funding to attend malaria research meetings, we are offering?generous financial support options, including a limited number full registration fee bursaries - sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Click here for more about the conference, awards, and bursaries

Keynote highlights from our 2024 Genomics of Rare Disease conference

Associate Professor Timothy Yu, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA, discusses approaches 'towards interventional genetics'

If you are enjoying this content, sign up to the Wellcome Connecting Science learning and training bi-monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all our stories and full events programme.

Follow us on X

Find a range of scientific keynote videos, across a wide range of genomics-led, life science topics on our YouTube channel.