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
• Epigenetics and epigenomics
• Disease modelling (organoids)
• Pathogen genomics
• Infectious diseases and surveillance using genomics approaches
• Virus genomics
• 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
• AI and machine learning in biology

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, from early-career researcher to principal investigator, the Wellcome Connecting Science genomics conference programme offers something valuable for life scientists at every stage of their career.

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

We offer financial assistance that you never have to repay, through bursary awards and carers’ grants – ensuring no voices are left of out the room!

Share your expertise and research insights to elevate the work happening in your laboratory and 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 June, researchers working at the interface of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the life sciences, return for our second AI x BIO conference. Join us to explore how the latest computational approaches are advancing our understanding of biology and medicine, and enabling us to tackle complex biological challenges.

We also welcome an incredible line-up of speakers for our first Biology at Scale: From Variants to Cellular Programs and Functions conference, where you will have the chance to discuss the scalable, multimodal frameworks that are transforming our understanding of genetics, cell biology, and human health.

In September, we delve into how advances in genomics, big data and AI are driving therapeutic discovery, at our latest Target Validation conference. We are still accepting abstracts for a chance to present at this meeting – submit your work for review by 13 July, to be considered for a short talk or poster presentation.

Our 6th Virus Genomics, Evolution and Bioinformatics conference will run in November. Building on the success of previous meetings, our speakers will showcase how bioinformatics, including pioneering approaches using machine learning and AI, are being applied to address key questions in viral genomics and evolution.

Plus, there are many more events to come…..