How to design and deliver pathogen genomics training for health and research professionals

We are pleased to announce the first of a series of train-the-trainer courses brought to you by T3Connect – Data Science and Genomic Pathogen Surveillance Training Programme, funded by UKRI, which aims to strengthen capacity in data science and pathogen genomics for applications in infectious diseases in the UK. A collaboration between the Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance and Wellcome Connecting Science, the programme will apply the concept of forward training and equip professionals who interface with pathogen genomics data science with the skills needed to train others.

Disease outbreaks, growing pathogen resistance and environmental threats demand full exploitation of genomics technologies to increase accuracy and boost capacity for clinical management, surveillance, and response to infectious pathogens. As a result, there is a rising demand for genomics data science which requires specialised expertise for its interpretation and application. Therefore, there is an urgent need for skilled trainers to support the work of researchers and healthcare professionals in the UK. Train-the-trainer strategies provide an effective method for empowering scientists with tools and resources to pass on their knowledge and skills to their colleagues and multidisciplinary peers, thereby accelerating capacity for genomics in healthcare.

This FREE course will provide participants with methods and techniques for training adult learners in analysis of genomics as applied in clinical management and public health. It integrates pedagogical aspects with pathogen genomic analysis, application and interpretation for management and surveillance of infectious disease. Participants will develop deeper knowledge of teaching and facilitation methodologies that they can later apply in their respective fields and work environments. Using a project-based learning approach, participants will be mentored on how to build their own training materials and design their own training. A combination of online training resources and in-person sessions will be followed by ongoing mentorship and network building activities.

Target Audience

We invite applicants based in the UK and Ireland, from research, healthcare and training professionals who are involved in any aspect of genomics or data science, and who are interested in building their capabilities to effectively share their knowledge and skills with others focused on pathogen genomic analysis, application and interpretation in management of infectious disease. This includes clinical, biomedical, and public health scientists, epidemiologists, bioinformaticians.

Applicants may also be involved in genomics technologies and computational biology training programmes, and interested in developing training resources for potential application of pathogen genomics in healthcare and public health.

CPD Accreditation
The course is approved for CPD accreditation by the Royal College of Pathologists (26 credits)

The course include self-paced online pre-course work followed by 3.5 days in-person sessions, consisting of lectures, hands-on exercises, genomic analysis demonstrations and group projects.

Topics will include:

Genomics and data science

Introduction to genomics, data and ethics

Flow of data from sample to decision-making

Genomics data tools and pipelines

Data formats, analysis and presentation

Interpretation and application of genomic results

Training design

Training strategies for professionals

Elements of effective training and communication in genomics and bioinformatics

Outcome based approaches to training design

Evaluation planning and implementation

Delivery and Facilitation skills

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:

• Explain the flow of pathogen genomic data/information from generation to interpretation in healthcare and public health settings.
• Design training and communication formats by applying evidence-based learning science methodologies.
• Identify appropriate training resources for use in training pathogen genomics and surveillance tools.
• Deliver pathogen genomic data science training to professionals working in genomic epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak investigation.
• Evaluate the self-developed training and knowledge sharing of pathogen genomic data science.

Course Instructors 

David Aanensen
Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance

Monica Abrudan
Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance

Silvia Argimon
Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance

Rachel Berkson
Wellcome Connecting Science

Francesc Coll
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Diana Connor
Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance

Katherine Kaldeli
Wellcome Connecting Science

Alice Matimba
Wellcome Connecting Science

Dusanka Nikolic
Wellcome Connecting Science

Charlene Rodrigues
University of Oxford

Wilber Sabiiti
University of St Andrews

Prerequisites
Applicants are expected to be scientists or healthcare professionals with some knowledge in genomics, clinical management or public health and interested in developing skills to train others.

How to Apply
Please click the Apply button above to begin the online application process. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Please note: Applications must be supported by a recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g. supervisor, line manager or head of department). A request for a supporting statement will be sent to your nominated sponsor automatically during the application process. Applicants must ensure that their sponsor provides this supporting statement by the application deadline. Applications without a supporting statement cannot be considered.

*Given the limited number of spaces please apply only if you are available to attend.

Free accommodation will be provided.

You will be responsible for your own travel costs and arrangements.

Arrival – Monday 17th October, by 10am

Departure – Thursday 20 October after 1pm