Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics

We are pleased to announce The Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics
2016. This summer school provides a unique opportunity to learn and be
inspired by those that have shaped our understanding of human genomics in
the past decade. Now in its ninth year, it was re-named ‘The Leena
Peltonen School of Human Genomics’ in 2011, as a tribute to Leena
Peltonen. Tutors at the school are among the scientific leaders who
are advancing the field of human genomics, and former students are now at
the forefront of much of this research.

This is a uniquely fascinating time in human genetics and genomics, as
the field moves beyond the cataloguing of associated variation towards
fundamental biological inference and translational implementation. The
programme will cover a range of topics including our current
understanding of the genomics of rare and complex human diseases. There
will be sessions addressing gene regulation and functional analysis. The
latest advances in sequencing technology and the future of whole genome
and clinical sequencing will also be discussed.

The schedule is highly interactive with presentations by the tutors and
students on cutting-edge topics in human genomics. The summer school is
more akin to a ‘science summer camp’ for graduate students with
discussions and debates on the future of human genomics. A unique feature
is the one-to-one mentoring on all aspects of genomics, including advice
on publishing and pursuing an academic research career.

The summer school is suitable for scientists and clinicians undertaking
graduate studies focused on human genetics and genomics. Applications
from those who have completed a PhD in another area and have moved into
genomics for their postdoctoral studies will also be considered. To
optimize discussions and interactions, numbers are limited to 20
students.

Feedback from previous students:
“The tutors that participated in the course are leaders in their
fields and therefore, participate in the important conferences in human
genetics and genomics that are held every year…. I think that the highest
value of this course was that it provides the unique opportunity to talk
to the tutors about their academic career, their research interests, and
their view of the future advances on the field of human genomics. It was
also very inspiring learning what motivates them to do what they do, and
to receive their advice regarding research in the academic context.”
(2014)

“I already recommended it to my colleagues. The course was a fantastic
experience. The networking opportunities were fantastic, the discussions
were plentiful and each one as interesting as the last. You get the
opportunity of meeting the greatest people, you make new friends.
Definitely one of the greatest experiences of my academic career.” (2013)

“The opportunity to interact with 20 world-leading scientists over a
period of four days was absolutely invaluable. The discussions in the
one-to-one meetings, over meals, drinks and coffee were both truly
inspiring and thought provoking.” (2013)

“Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics: one of the best experiences a
genetics graduate student can have” (2012)

The summer school will start on Sunday, 21 August and close on
Thursday, 25 August 2016. This is a residential course. All
students will stay onsite for the full duration to benefit fully from
discussions and interactions with the faculty and other participants.

Topics will include:

• Structural variation
• Complex traits
• Gene regulation
• Functional analysis
• Complex metabolic traits
• Nonhuman genomics
• Rare diseases
• Sequencing at large scale
• Technology
• Cancer genomics
• Publishing and article review session
• Next generation sequencing

*Please note: the final programme is built around the research interests
of the students accepted onto the summer school.

Scientific programme committee
Jeff Barrett Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute,
UK
Nancy Cox Vanderbilt University, USA
Manolis Dermitzakis University of Geneva, Switzerland
Mark McCarthy University of Oxford, UK

Confirmed tutors
Carl Anderson Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute,
UK
Alexis Battle Johns Hopkins University, USA
Don Conrad Washington University School of Medicine,
USA
Paul de Bakker Vertex Pharmaceuticals, USA
Tonu Esko University of Tartu Estonia & Broad
Institute of Harvard and MIT, USA
Richard Gibbs Baylor College of Medicine, USA
Nicholas Katsanis Duke University, USA
Cecilia Lindgren Broad Institute of Harvard and
MIT, USA
Ruth Loos Mount Sinai Hospital, USA
Daniel MacArthur Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Karen Mohlke University of North Carolina, USA
Debbie Nickerson University of Washington, USA
Len Pennacchio Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
USA
Nicole Soranzo Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Cisca Wijmenga University Medical Center Groningen, The
Netherlands
Eleftheria Zeggini Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute,
UK

Event organiser
Laura Hubbard Wellcome Genome Campus, UK

Fees

The fees include accommodation, meals and lectures for the duration of
the summer school. The fee will be requested once acceptance is
confirmed.

Accommodation
This is a residential summer school. All participants will stay at The
Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge, for the
nights of 21, 22, 23 and 24 August 2016. For twin
accommodation,  roommates will be allocated on a gender basis.

If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the summer
school/course dates, please contact the Conference Centre
directly

Applications
Application deadline: Closed

Places on this summer school are limited to 20 students and will be
awarded on merit. Applicants should be PhD students currently engaged in
relevant research and will be required to complete an online application
form.
The selection process will take place in May 2016.

The following will need to be provided:

• Qualifications and justification for attendance
• A list of relevant publications
• A scientific outline of current research
• Supervisor’s details: your supervisor will then receive an e-mail requesting a supporting statement to complete your application.

Please note: Applications will not be considered without
a supervisor’s supporting statement.

Travel visas
Please contact the event organiser if you require a letter to support a
travel visa application. Note that letters will be provided to confirmed
attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a
visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks
or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/
Information for general visitors and business visitors: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/business/business-activities/

Please note there are no bursaries or travel grants available for this
summer school.