Re-establishing a face-to-face forum for the rare disease research community

Where biological insight meets technological innovation! 

In April, the rare disease community will come together in-person for the first time in three years, to discuss the latest genomics-led innovations accelerating research in this field. The Wellcome Connecting Science Genomics of Rare Disease conference, will provide a valuable opportunity for dynamic peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, and support the dialogue between scientists and clinicians to learn from each other, and shape the future for further ground-breaking research and practice.

This conference series is already highly regarded as an important event for fostering innovative translational science, having played host to a diverse forum of academics, clinicians, and bioinformaticians since 2007 (making this our longest running conference!)

The conference now explores how genomic research translates into clinical care and informs our understanding of the biology of rare disease. Hence, it still brings together the multiple expertise needed for genome interpretation in rare diseases.

Lisenka Vissers, Associate Professor in Translational Genomics, Radboudumc Nijmegen, The Netherlands

For scientists interested in exploring how technological innovation intersects with biological mechanisms, and the knock-on impacts to clinical diagnosis and the development of therapeutics, this conference enables an immeasurable depth of understanding.

This year’s focus will centre on best practice strategies for the implementation of genomics-based technologies into healthcare systems, to improve clinical care for patients living with a wide range of rare disorders. Expert-led discussion will provide a catalyst for broader global perspectives on what advances in multi-omics really mean for future diagnostics, personalised medicine, and workforce development.

This field requires not only technological experts driving innovation, but also fundamental researchers providing biological insights, and clinicians who counsel the patients with rare genetic disease and observed their struggles of finding a diagnosis. This conference brings all of these expertise together.

Lisenka Vissers, Associate Professor in Translational Genomics, Radboudumc Nijmegen, The Netherlands

The opportunity to have these discussions face-to-face, rather than virtually, enables peers and experts to forge or strengthen professional relationships, and delve deeper into the session topics. The collaborative learning environment at the Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, set in the grounds of the awe-inspiring Wellcome Genome Campus, is the perfect backdrop to stimulate focused and innovative thought.

An in-person place at Genomics of Rare Disease 2023 provides a dedicated opportunity, away from distractions, to spark new ideas within an inclusive and accessible community of established scientists, leading clinicians, and early-career researchers – all participating in the same space.

The relative small number of participants, most of them staying on-site, provides a wealth of opportunities to extend your professional network. This is not only true for the well-established professors in the field, but also young scientists are encouraged to meet and discuss their projects with their peers.

Lisenka Vissers, Associate Professor in Translational Genomics, Radboudumc Nijmegen, The Netherlands

By registering for an in-person place, you will gain access to an outstanding programme of authoritative speakers, including Cynthia Morton, David Lui and Tuuli Lappalainen.

Participating in the same room as experts offers the potential to receive instant feedback on your ideas or ask questions of those scientists who may have inspired your current work.

I have attended this conference almost every year, where I have made new friends who kindly invited me into their labs, and allowed me to grow both personally and scientifically in such ways that still benefit me today!

Lisenka Vissers, Associate Professor in Translational Genomics, Radboudumc Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Register for an in-person place by 28 March 2023.

To discover more about this year’s conference, and how you can get involved please visit our website.

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