Long read sequencing: platforms approaches and applications

This course reflects the growing adoption of long-read sequencing across clinical, research, and industry settings. The practical, hands-on training programme is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to evaluate, generate, and analyse data from long-read sequencing and related technologies.

The course will introduce participants to the principles, capabilities, and applications of available sequencing technologies, with an emphasis on long-read platforms such as Oxford Nanopore and PacBio, alongside relevant short-read approaches. Through practical laboratory sessions, interactive workshops, seminars, and introductory bioinformatics training, participants will gain experience in library preparation, sequencing, quality control, and the initial analysis and interpretation of sequence data. The programme will also explore platform selection, scalability, automation, and the practical considerations involved in implementing sequencing workflows within different institutional settings.

By combining practical experience with comparative evaluation of sequencing technologies and real-world applications, the course aims to support participants in making informed decisions about the most appropriate sequencing solutions for their research questions, resources, and institutional needs.

What will this course cover

The course will cover the principles, practical implementation, and applications of next-generation sequencing, with a particular emphasis on long-read technologies. Key topics will include:

• Sequencing technologies and applications
• Experimental design and platform selection
• Scaling, automation, and implementation
• Introductory bioinformatics and data quality control
• Comparative evaluation and project work

Who is this course for

The course is intended for clinical, industry, and research professionals, as well as university students, who are currently working with long-read sequencing or are considering incorporating these technologies into future laboratory workflows.

No extensive prior experience in sequencing is required. However, the course is designed primarily around laboratory practice and the integration of sequencing technologies into research or clinical workflows. It is not intended to replace manufacturer-provided instrument training or to serve as a specialist course for participants whose primary interest is bioinformatics and sequence data analysis.

What will you achieve?

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

• Identify appropriate applications for long-read sequencing and explain its advantages, limitations, and key differences from other available sequencing approaches.
• Demonstrate the ability to prepare sequencing libraries, undertake sequencing experiments, and apply appropriate quality control procedures to generated data.
• Assess platform suitability by critically comparing available sequencing technologies for specific research or clinical applications.
• Plan a sequencing implementation strategy by developing a sample-to-data workflow aligned to their context.

This event will start at approximately 10:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on 14 March and end at approximately 16:00 GMT on 19 March 2027.

In this workshop, participants are expected to actively engage and contribute to:

• Sequencing experiments following the best laboratory practices.
• Perform command-line based bioinformatics analyses.
• Work collaboratively in pairs or small groups.

Organisers and trainers

A complete list of the trainers will be available soon

Scientific Training and Events team

Liã Bárbara Arruda
Education Developer

Amanda Fletcher
Senior Event Organiser 

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: 23 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT

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 Sanger Institute Scientific Training and Events. 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: 23 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT

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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