Explore pioneering genomics research and application with Wellcome Connecting Science

Genomics and biomedicine are rapidly advancing through new technologies and discoveries. The Connecting Science academic conferences programme supports scientists in staying at the forefront of their field, by showcasing the cutting-edge research and emerging tools and approaches that are transforming life sciences and clinical practice.

Our conferences are strongly aligned with the pioneering work led by our research colleagues at the renowned Wellcome Sanger Institute, as well as other leading global institutes. We provide a small, friendly and inclusive learning environment, to discuss the latest discoveries with global peers and field experts, including research relevant to diverse regional populations, as well as global health.

• Rare disease genomics
• Disease modelling (organoids)
• Pathogen genomics
• Infectious diseases and surveillance using genomics approaches
• Immunology and vaccines
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Mitochondrial medicine
• Microbiome interactions in health and disease
• Neurodegeneration and brain disorders
• Synthetic biology
• Single cell biology
• Multiomics in metabolic diseases
• CRISPR gene editing and other aspects of bioengineering
• Cancer genomics
• Biodiversity and conservation genomics
• Planetary genomics
• Human evolution and paleogenomics
• Science policy
• Ethics and genetic counselling
• Bioinformatics and biostatistical tools and approaches

As we enter a new era of digital transformation in genomics, our conferences lead the way by showcasing the latest discoveries and technologies that drive research, innovation, and biomedical applications across all relevant fields. Our multidisciplinary event programmes feature aspects of whole genome sequencing, AI in biology, machine learning, and women’s health, aligning them to the overarching conference theme.

We cover themes that reach beyond genomics and intersect with broader biodata, healthcare, diagnostic and drug development spheres.

Whether you are new to a discipline or an experienced leader, an early career research or a principal investigator, the Wellcome Connecting Science genomics conferences programme is relevant to life scientists at every career stage.

• PhD students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Group leaders/ principal investigators (PIs)
• Clinicians and clinical researchers
• Healthcare professionals

We offer non-repayable financial assistance through bursary awards and carers’ grants to ensure no voices are left outside of the room.

Share your expertise and research insights to elevate the work happening in your laboratory, or to build your own professional profile.

Our conferences provide open and friendly platforms for scientists to present short talks or scientific posters, relevant to the key meeting themes, and on a global stage. Submit an abstract to highlight your research insights, laboratory achievements, recent publications, or collaborations. You will gain visibility for your work that connects you with peers and leaders within global scientific communities.

If you are an early career researcher, these presentations provide unique opportunities to solicit feedback from experts in your field. For more experienced principal investigators, you can explore the emerging talent joining the landscape, or even celebrate the contributions of junior members working on the project(s) you lead.

Our conferences remain hybrid to ensure we offer equitable and inclusive access to the knowledge exchange that takes place at each of our events. However, where possible, we recommend in-person attendance to experience the networking and socialising that happens organically against the backdrop of the rich genomics heritage at the Wellcome Genome Campus.

Poster sessions and networking breaks are specifically designed to foster interactions between field leaders and early career scientists – you never know who you may end up speaking to over coffee!

Join us in person to:

• Immerse yourself in in the latest genomics research influencing your field.
• Establish new professional relationships, potentially supporting future collaboration.
• Explore the emerging talent entering the research landscape.
• Discover new job opportunities, project resources and ideas, and funding streams.
• Spark new thinking through presenting your research.
• Gain feedback on your work to shape its future success.
• Enjoy the quality of human interaction on a world-leading genomics research Campus.
• Speak to the scientists whose papers you have read.

In April, we celebrate 20 years since our first Genomics of Rare Diseases conference, reflecting on the progress made by the rare disease community, and looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future.

We are also hosting the Mutations in Time and Space conference, exploring the origins, patterns and consequences of mutation throughout various biological contexts and organisms.

Join us in May for an exciting week of immunology and vaccines-focused conferences. Immunologists who register for both meetings will receive a 30% discount on their registration fees for the second conference.

In June, we welcome researchers working at the interface of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the life sciences, to our second AI x BIO conference exploring how computational approaches are advancing our understanding of biology and medicine.