Cancer Genomic Epidemiology

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with rising incidence and significant disparities in outcomes across populations. While advances in genomics have transformed our understanding of tumour biology, translating this knowledge into effective prevention strategies remains challenging. Genomic epidemiology, including the study of mutational signatures, offers powerful tools to investigate how inherited and acquired genetic changes interact with environmental exposures to influence cancer risk. These insights are critical for identifying carcinogens, refining risk assessment, and informing population-level interventions. With growing access to genomic data from diverse populations, there is an urgent need to equip researchers and public health professionals with the skills to apply genomic epidemiology in support of equitable cancer prevention. 

What will this course cover?

This immersive workshop will explore the intersection of cancer genomics and epidemiology to deepen our understanding of cancer causation and prevention with a public health perspective. Participants will engage with the latest analytical and experimental approaches to uncover how genetic and environmental factors combine to drive cancer onset. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and interactive sessions, the programme will cover:

• Computational approaches for mutational signature analysis
• In vivo and in vitro models for mechanistic studies of carcinogens  associated with environmental exposures
• Use of large-scale genomic and exposure data from diverse populations to refine the assessment of cancer risk
• Multidisciplinary approaches to assess environmental contributions to cancer risk
• Applications of genomic epidemiology to public health and cancer prevention programmes

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at scientists working in genomics, epidemiology, clinical, and public health fields who are seeking to enhance their ability to investigate cancer causation using genomic and population-level approaches. We welcome applicants at early- and mid-career stages, and encourage participation from diverse geographic, institutional, and interdisciplinary backgrounds.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply computational methods to analyse mutational signatures and investigate cancer-related genomic alterations.
• Use experimental and epidemiological approaches to assess the link between environmental exposures and cancer mechanisms.
• Interpret and integrate evidence from genomics, epidemiology, and exposure data to infer carcinogenic processes.
• Evaluate the application of genomic epidemiology in cancer prevention, including hazard identification, population diversity, and the use of open science resources.

This course will run from 10:00 on Monday 16 February and end at 16:00 on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

The programme will include lectures, seminars, and hands-on analysis sessions on the following topics:

• Mutational signatures
• Experimental models
• Genomic & exposure data
• Environmental risk assessment
• Public health applications

Organisers

Sandra Perdomo
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO IARC), France

Sarah Moody
Wellcome Sanger Institute, United Kingdom

Confirmed trainers

Andrew Biankin 
University of Glasgow, United Kingdom

Ferriol Calvet
Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Spain

Jose Antonio Seoane
Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain

Linda Kachuri
Stanford University, United States of America

Mary Schubauer-Berigan
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO IARC), France

Sonia Dagnino 
University of Cote d'Azur, France 

Silvia Balbo
University of Minnesota, United States of America

Talya Dayton
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Spain

Wellcome Connecting Science Learning and Training

Liã Bárbara Arruda – Education Developer

Lucy Criddle – Event logistics

1. Start the application
   • Click on the “Apply” button above to start your application. Please note that places are limited and will be awarded based on merit.
2. Demonstrate the course’s relevance to your project/role
   • Our courses are highly subscribed, so it is essential to clearly show how the skills you will learn in the course will be directly applicable and beneficial to your current role/project and how do you plan to disseminate the knowledge after the course.
   • Preference will be given to applicants who are currently working on related projects or soon will be.
3. Letter of recommendation
   
   • Applications must be supported by a recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g., supervisor, line manager, or head of department). Ensure that your sponsor provides a tailored supporting statement by the application deadline. This statement must be uploaded as a PDF document to the registration system within your application. Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.
4. Need help?
   • If you encounter any problems with the online application process, please contact us for assistance.

Application deadline: 3 November 2025

Travel visas
Citizens of many countries can travel to the UK to attend a course or conference without needing a visa. Please check the UK government website for visitor information: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor.

Confirmed attendees requiring a letter to support a visa application should contact us.

*The course fee is subsidised by Wellcome Connecting Science. Contact us for the commercial rate.

Participants are encouraged to stay onsite as networking and informal discussion are an important part of this training.

The fee will be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

Bursaries

Limited bursaries are available (up to 50% reduction on the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the bursary section of the online application form, explaining why you would benefit from funding.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form. Applicants will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on the course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The decision of the selection committee is final.

Please note that both the applicant and sponsor are required to provide a justification for the bursary as part of the application.

Deadline: 3 November 2025

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

Extra accommodation
If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the course dates, please contact Hinxton Hall Conference Centre directly.

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