Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics

The Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics, now in its 10th year,
provides a unique opportunity to learn and be inspired by those that have
shaped our understanding of human genomics over the past decade. Tutors
at the school include scientific leaders who are advancing the field of
human genomics, and former students are now at the forefront of much of
this research. The course was re-named ‘The Leena Peltonen School of
Human Genomics’ in 2011, as a tribute to Leena Peltonen.

This is a fascinating time in human genetics and genomics, as the field
moves beyond the cataloguing of associated variation towards functional
analysis, biological understanding 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 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. The final programme is built
around the research interests of the students. A unique feature of the
summer school is the one-to-one mentoring on all aspects of genomics,
including advice on publishing and pursuing an academic research career.

Senior PhD students and clinicians undertaking graduate studies focused
on human genetics and genomics are encouraged to apply. 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 with mentors, numbers are limited
to 20 students.

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

“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.”
(Student from 2013)

This course is the perfect example of what good science is all about:
collaboration, mentorship and networking (Student from 2015)

“The course provided a unique opportunity to meet several experts in the
field of human genetics and discuss science and career-related issues
with them. It was also important to be able to share experiences with
many other students who are currently in the same situation and trying to
figure out what to do after completing PhD degree” (Student from 2015)

“I loved the one-to-one sessions – it was great to have the opportunity
to have the focussed attention of some of the world leaders in the human
genomics field, and be able to ask them anything we wished. As well as
helpful scientific discussion, we were able to get a lot of useful career
advice and insight into how they got to where they are today” (Student
from 2016)

The summer school will start on Sunday, 20 August and close on Thursday,
24 August 2017. 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 peer review
• Next generation sequencing

A draft programme*
is available.

*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
Don
Conrad Washington University School of Medicine, USA
Paul de Bakker Vertex Pharmaceuticals,
USA
Anna Di Rienzo
University of Chicago, USA
Antigone Dimas Fleming Institute, Greece
Richard Gibbs Baylor College of Medicine,
USA
Helena Kilpinen University College London,
UK
Cecilia Lindgren University of Oxford, UK
Ruth Loos Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, USA
Jim Lupski Baylor
College of Medicine, USA
Daniel
MacArthur Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Ben Neale Massachusetts General Hospital,
USA
Len Pennacchio Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, USA
Magdalena Skipper Altius Institute for
Biomedical Sciences, USA
Nicole Soranzo Wellcome Trust Sanger
Institute, UK
Cisca Wijmenga University Medical Center
Groningen, The Netherlands

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 20, 21, 22 and 23 August 2017. 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. Senior PhD students and clinicians undertaking graduate
studies focused on human genetics and genomics are encouraged to apply.
Applications from those who have completed a PhD in another area and
have moved into genomics for their postdoctoral studies will also be
considered. The selection process will take place in June 2017.

The following will need to be provided in your application*:

• Qualifications and justification for attendance
• A list of relevant publications
• An 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 cannot 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/

The summer school is heavily subsidised by the Advanced Course and
Scientific Conferenes programme. There will also be a limited number of
bursaries available (up to 50% of the course fee).

The following documents will need to be provided to the conference
organiser:

• CV
• Covering letter
• Letter of support from supervisor

To apply, please contact the event organiser.

Bursary deadline: Closed