News and views
Find out about our latest news, activities, and opinions on genomics and its impact on research, health and society.
Join us - Senior Events Manager
We have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Events Manager to join Wellcome Connecting Science as part of the Learning and Training team.
Sustainability, science and success
For us, sustainability includes reducing our environmental impact, and boosting access and inclusion.
Global training: Getting hands-on with helminths and community engagement
Read how we integrated community engagement into our Helminth Bioinformatics training course in Thailand in 2023 to support helminth research and disease control.
Inspiring the next generation through our science engagement programme
Meet two science engagement champions from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and discover why they’re passionate about inspiring young people.
Dr Ireena Dutta appointed Interim Director of Wellcome Connecting Science
Professor Julian Rayner steps down after a decade.
What if…? Influencing research policy and practice through lived experience
Lived experience of disability, health and illness, is particularly pertinent when considering genomic research and its applications in diagnosing and treating specific diseases.
IBD genetic feedback workshop creates an open conversation between patients and researchers
In November, we held a workshop with the NIHR BioResource and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, to bring IBD patients and researchers together, and create an open conversation on how to return additional findings in genomics research.
Lessons from the pandemic: developing a model for global capacity building
For Wellcome Connecting Science, the pandemic was the springboard for the COG-Train project, a pioneering initiative for building global capacity in genomics, in partnership with the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium.
Genomic Futures: creating inclusive careers programmes for the next generation of scientists
Over the past year, we have focussed on providing a wide range of free opportunities for school students and young people to interact with industry professionals and learn about careers in genomics.
The History of Hinxton Hall: understanding our work in a historical context
The origins of Hinxton Hall, our Conference Centre, its foundation and ownership, have been mostly unknown to us, until last year, when we commissioned Historian, Melanie Backe-Hansen, to fill in the numerous gaps.
Addressing inequality: supporting people for better science
At Connecting Science we aim to ensure that our professional-facing activities acknowledge structural inequality in the UK, and actively include and promote the participation of both current, and the next generation, of under-represented healthcare and research professionals.
Our virtual work experience course wins a LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award
Our interactive, free course, Genomics, Science and Data Careers, aimed to help young people experience the diverse range of career options in these fields.
Wellcome Connecting Science annual review 2023
Take a look back at some of our recent projects and activities, and their global impact, in our newly published Annual Review.
Wellcome Connecting Science Director recognised by the UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences
We are delighted to announce that our Director, Professor Julian Rayner, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in the UK.
Citizens’ jury votes for government to begin serious discussion about potentially changing the law on editing human embryos
The jurors voted that the UK government should consider changing the law, albeit with strong recommendations on how the process should be handled.
New insights into the experiences of different groups at research conferences in the UK
Exploring participation at conferences, and how we enhance our own learning and training offer.
New leadership roles in our Learning and Training team
Dr Michelle Bishop, Associate Director, Learning and Training, shares details about role developments within her leadership team.
UK citizens’ jury to bring a patient voice to decisions about human embryos
A jury of 24 people with lived experience of genetic conditions will form a Citizens’ Jury hosted on the Wellcome Genome Campus.
Wellcome Connecting Science Director honoured by EMBO
Our Director, Professor Julian Rayner, has been elected to membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
Building a foundation for Generation Genome
Two film projects explore the work and impact of genetic counsellors.
The Character of Science: can what we see on a reel be translated to real-life?
The accuracy of science in movies can be a contentious topic. But can we use as movies to make complex science relatable for students and the public?
Finding ways to listen
A recent national committment to increased public involvement coincides with a step change in our own efforts to enable the public to contribute to genomics research.
Translating training in the virtual world
The global pandemic forced some drastic changes to our training offer: this is how we tackled the transition to virtual and what happened next.
Finding SPACE for research in a pandemic
How our new research project exploring the ethical challenges of data-driven medicine had to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Motivations to take part in research vary around the world
Media release: Being able to receive results is a key motivator that influences participation in research, according to public audiences from the USA, but is less important elsewhere in the world.
Sanger Excellence Fellowship scheme opens
Are you interested in how we understand public perspectives on genomics? The intersection of ethics, policy, and genomics?
New centre to foster global conversations about ethical issues raised by science
The Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science and the Public will explore ethical implications of scientific discovery and its impact on society.
Global perspectives on health, research and trustworthiness
Our Society and Ethics Research team has been analysing public perceptions of genomic and health data, and its users
Stories from Public Engagement Case studies
Wellcome Connecting Science Public Engagement team have put together story highlights from projects throughout the year.
An Important Era for Socialising the Genome
The fundamentals of genomics are becoming increasingly more relevant to society, however, it seems society could not be more disengaged.
New recommendations for direct-to-consumer genetic and genomic tests
We welcome the recommendations in a new report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee
COG-UK and Wellcome Connecting Science receive funding for a global training programme in SARS-CoV-2 genomics
We are delighted to have been jointly awarded a Wellcome-FCDO Joint Initiative on Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response grant of nearly £1 million.
You might have noticed that something about us looks a little different…
An update on our new brand.
I:DNA – an immersive exploration into the view of people living with genetic conditions
I:DNA became the creative vehicle to reach new audiences with the profound stories taken from the Imagine Futures study.
Team members appointed to boards of two leading European Public Engagement networks
Members of Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement have joined the EUSEA board and the ECSITE Spokes Editorial Committee.
Connecting Science Public Engagement Prizes 2020
Recognising outstanding efforts in engaging public or school audiences with Wellcome Genome Campus’ science, research and innovation.
Embedding patient involvement in research: Experiences from the Cancer Research UK Mutographs project
The Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement team supports public engagement elements of large-scale research projects at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, as Development Coordinator Alena Pance explains.
Future Of Genomic Research at Risk Without Greater Public Trust in How Genetic Data Is Shared, Survey Finds
New findings on public trust from the Society and Ethics Research group
Wellcome Genome Campus Society and Ethics Research Lead on a UK Citizens Assembly.
Designer babies, mutant mozzies and frankenfoods: these are the images that often spring to mind when people think of genome editing.
Why plumbers and teachers should have a say on designer babies and genetically enhanced potatoes
The Society and Ethics Research team are part of a new global project
How exciting can a career in genomics be?
Four early-career scientists and researchers from the Wellcome Genome Campus introduce themselves ahead of their talk 'Genomic Futures' on 27 August.
Cultural sensitivity, the key to engaging research
Introducing Charlie, the Ghanaian star in the latest the Your DNA, Your Say survey, gathering the views of people around the world on online health data and how it might be used by others.
Supporting home learning during lockdown and beyond
New home learning packs provide science education support for parents and teachers during the school closures and keep curious minds engaged over the holiday period.
Genome Lates: Free online public talks to celebrate the 20th anniversary year of the Human Genome Project
First talk: ‘Reading the book of life: What has genome sequencing ever done for us?’ with Sanger Institute Director Mike Stratton on 30th July.
Covid-19 animation interprets recent Human Cell Atlas findings
Alena Pance from our Public Engagement team introduces the Human Cell Atlas and a new animation explaining the SARS-CoV-2 infection process.
New genomics text book for sixth form students
The new Genomics Oxford Biology Primer aims to bridge the gap between A-levels and undergraduate study.
Music of Life Short-film Selected for Raw Science Film Festival 2020
Music is a language that transcends many cultures, age groups, and cognitive abilities, making it a powerful tool to remove some of the opaqueness and ambiguity that often surrounds the topic of genomic medicine.
Telling the Story of DNA
It is likely that some of us have already had a form of genomic test already, maybe as part of a routine or in-depth health check, for research purposes or even as part of an online ancestry test.
Next up at the Genome Gallery: The topic, the artist, and the challenges
Lucy Steggals to work with Wellcome Sanger Institute researchers, patient collaborators, and members of the public to develop our up-coming exhibition.
Wellcome Genome Campus to close temporarily
In response to the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic, the Wellcome Genome Campus will close all but essential functions from Friday 20 March.
The duty of care: a genetic balancing act?
If you thought you were at risk of developing a condition would you want to know? Would you want your children to know? For some families this is much more than a philosophical dilemma – it is their life.
Equality and Diversity Champions: Connecting Science on International Women’s Day 2020
These awards reward those who actively embrace the Wellcome Genome Campus’ mission to support the development of the careers of women and under-represented groups.
Rare Disease Film Festival 2020
People with rare diseases and their families with rare diseases are one of the largest groups of patients and research participants for whom genome sequencing can have immediate clinical implications. Understanding their experiences is crucial to maximise the benefits of genomic research.
Local history project: Memories of Hinxton Hall
We are gathering memories of Hinxton Hall and need your help!
LifeLab 2019: A snapshot
LifeLab 2019 reached 3,500 adults and children in Cambridgeshire as part of European Researchers Night in September.
Genomics and big data — who do we trust?
Interpreting a genomic test result; creating datasets for analysis of diverse populations; and drug development, all require us to share our data. But how willing as a society are we to this? And who do we trust to share it with?
What are you doing on Wednesday? October public talks at the Wellcome Genome Campus
This October, all four scientific conferences organised by Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences have public talks as part of their programme.
European Journal of Medical Genetics - Special issue on Genetic Counselling
The special issue of this journal is guest edited by Anna Middleton, Barbara Biesecker and Christine Patch.
LifeLab returns to Cambridgeshire for European Researchers' Night
An exciting programme of free events and activities for the Cambridgeshire region on 27/28 September.
“Informed Consent” to edit embryos: what consent?
The principle of informed consent has long been a central element of research ethics, aimed at protecting individuals’ autonomy and right to self-determination, and preventing deception and coercion.
Science is for everyone, Unconscious Bias training for Primary schools
Public Engagement gets Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inclusion and Diversity Fund grant to help end unconscious bias and stereotype threat in the primary school STEM classrooms.
The Future of Genetic Counselling
Dr Jonathan Roberts discusses how genetic counselling may develop in the new age of genomic medicine.
Connecting Science Annual Review 2018-2019
The review includes twelve excellent articles written by Connecting Science staff.
Free online course to help nurses with genetic counselling in the new genomic era
Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences announces the launch of its first online course in Genetic Counselling in partnership with FutureLearn.
New Public Dialogue Highlights Hopes and Concerns for Genomic Medicine in the UK
New Public Dialogue Highlights Hopes and Concerns for Genomic Medicine in the UK
Julian Rayner to lead Cambridge Institute for Medical Research
From 1st May 2019, the Director of Connecting Science, Julian Rayner, will be embarking on an exciting new challenge, as Director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), part of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We are delighted to announce that we are part of EDIS.
Genetopia – The compelling stories and tensions behind genetic testing
DNA is central to our existence as a species, and yet it is a double-edged sword when it comes to questions of moral choice, emotional impact, and data ownership.
Genetic Disability, Experience and the Sorting Society
People living with genetic conditions can offer unique insights into what life with genetic disease is really like, in a way that medical descriptions of the conditions cannot. However, their perspectives have, for the most part, been under-represented in discussions of the social and ethical implications of sequencing technologies.
Q&A with Fran Gale, Education Development Lead
Fran Gale gives us an insight into her work, the many projects she's involved in, and the aim of the schools programme.
Developing a genomics workforce for the future
We discuss the recommendations of the Topol Review in relation to genomics.
25 Genomes Schools Competition winners visit the Wellcome Genome Campus
St Dominic's Grammar School, Belfast, visits Campus after winning 25 Genomes Schools Competition.
New films explore the ethical questions raised by the ABC versus St George’s NHS Trust case
The films aim to facilitate discussion around issues that are at the centre of a case that may lead to a legal change in the patient-doctor relationships of the future.
Human Embryo Editing: edging ever closer
The implanting of an edited embryo with the deliberate intent to lead to a pregnancy, is currently illegal in many countries. A change in the law is not going to happen any time soon [...] but the problem is that the consensus doesn’t exist yet, although the announcement is uniting the scientific community in opposition and disbelief.
Wellcome Genome Campus wins silver Watermark to recognise its support for public engagement
The Engage Watermark recognises strategic support for public engagement across the organisation, as well as the commitment to develop plans for the future.
A look back at LifeLab 2018
September saw one of the world's largest science events come to Cambridge and Peterborough.
VIDEO: The technical whys and hows of the Your DNA, Your Say survey and its translations
Society and Ethics Research Team Manager, Lauren Farley, discusses her short film about the 'Your DNA Your Say' survey and its translations.
LifeLab: Free events highlight discovery on your doorstep
LifeLab has launched an exciting programme of events for 28-29 September, to transform parts of Cambridge and Peterborough into centres of discovery and opportunity for the weekend.
Explore the world around us with Curious Nature
A new exhibition exploring the Wellcome Sanger Institute's 25 Genomes project.
A new deal on data – articulating the contract between science and people
Society and Ethics Research calls for a people-powered consultation, a conversation focusing on how science and humanity collaborate and win, together, when it comes to DNA data sharing.
Music of Life: A new communication tool for healthcare professionals
The Music of Life project comprises six short, musical films created for any health professional who needs to communicate genomic information to patients.
Blood, sweat and success: Implementing a gender balance policy
Scientific Programme Manager, Dr Treasa Creavin, shares her perspective on developing and applying a gender balance policy for Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences.
Cambridge LIFE LAB project wins place in Europe's largest public science event
Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement and Wellcome Sanger Institute are part of the Cambridge LIFE LAB project that has won a place in Europe's largest public science event: European Researchers' Night.
First Connecting Science Public Engagement Prize winners announced
This new annual prize scheme coordinated by our Public Engagement team recognises outstanding efforts by Campus staff in engaging public or schools audiences with their work.
New online course introduces bioinformatics to address skills-gap
Free online course - Bacterial Genomes: From DNA to protein function using bioinformatics - starts 11 June.
Connecting Science Annual Review 2017-2018
The Connecting Science Annual Review 2017-2018, published in May 2018, showcases some of our highlights from the past year, picking out key projects and achievements from across our teams.
New online course in genetics of disease-causing bacteria launched for health professionals and biologists worldwide
This 3-week introduction to pathogen genomics, will be the first online course offered by wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences and is open to anyone to join.
Worm hunters: A comic book to tell science stories
The Worm Hunters project is an integrated whipworm egg collection and schools engagement programme in Colombia. One key engagement element was a comic book written for local school children.
Wellcome Genome Campus joins NUCLEUS to share knowledge around learning and engagement
The ambitious HORIZON 2020 NUCLEUS project has been further strengthened by the joining of the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge, UK as the 25th member of the consortium.
Genomic Expressions: What does genomics mean to you?
Becky Gilmore, curator of Genomic Expressions, talks about the most personal Wellcome Genome Campus exhibition to date.
Q&A with Alice Matimba, Overseas Courses Development Officer
Dr Alice Matimba shares her passion for developing and delivering courses on biomedical and genomic sciences in low- and middle-income countries.
Cambridge Café Sci relaunches in February
Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement relaunches Café Sci in Cambridge this February
Developing skills in bioinformatics for pathogen genome analysis in Asia
Understanding pathogen genomes, how they evolve and which genes are essential for their ability to cause disease, is a key part of the battle to reduce the global disease burden. But capacity for research and skills for genome data analysis are limited in most low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and South America and the Caribbean.
Stars of human evolution gather at new multi-disciplinary conference
200 geneticists, palaeontologists, archaeologists, and primatologists, gathered at the Wellcome Genome Campus in November to celebrate the ancient DNA field.
Wayne McGregor works with Wellcome Genome Campus scientists on Autobiography
World-renowned choreographer, Wayne McGregor, has been working with Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement and scientists from the Wellcome Genome Campus to prepare for his new work, Autobiography, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in London on 4th October.
First World Congress for Genetic Counselling takes place at the Wellcome Genome Campus
Connecting Science's Anna Middleton gives us her perspective on the meeting.
Hands-on genomics at Orkney International Science Festival 2017
Our Public Engagement team headed north to get stuck into Orkney International Science Festival 2017
UK-wide schools genomics project launched to help solve global parasite problem
The first large-scale schools genome decoding project launched on 28 September 2017 by the Institute for Research in Schools and the Wellcome Genome Campus.
Exploring the Microbiome - moving on from association to causation
150 international scientists and clinicians gathered to discuss the latest research on the microbiome at the 6th Exploring Human Host-Microbiome Interactions in Health and Disease conference.
Strengthening capacity in infectious disease detection in Africa
The latest iteration of the popular 'Molecular Approaches to Clinical Microbiology in Africa' laboratory course provided training for scientists and clinicians from across Africa.
Developing innovation and collective impact in public engagement within genome editing
Public Engagement is helping to scope out approaches and challenges in public engagement with genome editing.
Key policy statement on germline editing informed by Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science
An international group of 11 organisations with clinical genetics expertise has issued a policy statement on germline genome editing in humans.
Seed Funding Pilot for Collaborative Research Projects following Costa Rica Advanced Course
Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences are piloting seed funding year-long research projects in Latin America and the Caribbean
First Connecting Science annual review launched
Our first annual review is now available to download.
Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre boosts its offering for event organisers
Press release: We have launched a new initiative aimed at event organisers, offering a comprehensive range of event management services.
Hidden Lives Revealed in a New Exhibition at the Wellcome Genome Campus
Combining archaeology with cutting-edge genomics research, Hidden Lives unearths the secrets of some very early South Cambridgeshire residents.
Malaria Experimental Genetics course travels to Ghana
The Malaria Experimental Genetics course was established in 2011 and has proved popular with malaria researchers from all over the world.
Teaching Next Generation Sequencing technologies to biomedical researchers
On the latest course sixteen enthusiastic participants learnt about this essential tool for genome and genetic analysis of human and infectious disease.
Legal duty to share genetic information goes to trial
Are the views of patients and the public relevant to determining what is in the public interest? If so, what are those views? Maybe it’s time we asked.
Supporting health professionals to talk ‘genetics’ with patients
Read about the how and whys of the ‘Counselling skills for genomics’ module, part of the new Mst in Genomic Medicine at the University of Cambridge.
Legal duty to share genetic information? ABC v St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust
Guest blog by Dr Vicky Chico, Legal Consultant, Society and Ethics Research Group, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge
Leading the genomics revolution in everyday nursing practice
The first G2NA retreat identified how to get genomics integrated into practice, policy, professional development, and nursing curricula worldwide.
Connecting Science at the Cambridge Science Festival 2017
View events hosted by Connecting Science's Public Engagement and Society and Ethics Research teams at the Cambridge Science Festival 2017
Stunning new website completes Conference Centre refurbishment
The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre has launched its striking new website, giving visitors a real feel for the venue.
Q&A with Julian Rayner, Director, Connecting Science
Dr Julian Rayner reflects on the impact of genomic research and combining malaria research with leading a learning and engagement programme.
Innovative learning events for a global audience
The Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences (ACSC) programme has a long history of creating and organising innovative learning events for a global audience.
yourgenome - Enabling you to get to grips with genomics
Yourgenome is devoted to sharing the fascinating, fast-paced, and sometimes daunting world of DNA, genes, and genomes with the public.
Society and Ethics Research: what do we really think about genomics?
We listen and learn as well as share and inform.
Society and Ethics Research films find new festival-going audiences
This autumn shorts films produced by Wellcome Genome Campus Society and Ethics Research are being shown in festivals in Europe and the USA.
Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre: delivering quality and excellence
We are passionate about ensuring everything we do, from experience to environment, is of the highest possible quality.
‘Poetry machine’ artwork exploring the Human Genome Project comes home
Renowned artists Thomson & Craighead display their artwork exploring the human genome, Stutterer, at the UK home of the Human Genome Project.
Overseas Course participants produce first original paper
Twenty students on an Overseas Course in Argentina not only developed their skills in pathogen surveillance but have also produced the programme’s first research paper!
Exploring genomes, one cell at a time - Single Cell Genomics conference 2016
In September 2016, Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences welcomed scientists from across the world to their Single Cell Genomics conference at the Wellcome Genome Campus.
DNA and Big Data: be part of the conversation
What are your thoughts on sharing your DNA data with others?
Your DNA, Your Say: global survey on online health data and sharing
Your DNA Your Say is an ambitious, global research project in the form of a ‘film-survey’ experience gathering the views of people around the world on online health data and how it might be used by others.
Talking about genetics with children? Use Harry Potter
Guest blog from Jon Roberts, doctoral student from Kings College London and Wellcome Genome Campus.
Silent Signal at the Wellcome Genome Campus Cultural Zone
Silent Signal is an ambitious group exhibition exploring new ways of thinking about the human body.
Cinema Magic for Engagement with Genomics
Guest blog post from Jon Roberts, genetic counsellor and PhD student at KCL and Wellcome Genome Campus. Jon is exploring how popular films and books reach the public and contribute to understanding and communication about genetics.
The ‘Making Of’ GeneTube Project
A video overview of what we did in the Socialising the Genome project.
Socialising the Genome: Sparking discussions about genomics in everyday life
The Society and Ethics Research team has launched a project called Socialising the Genome to explore how to turn genomics from an anti-social concept to a more social one.
History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation
History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation.
Largest survey of public attitudes shows perceived value of genomic data
The study starts an important and on-going conversation about how our genomic data is used.
“If you know it, I’d like to know it too” – involving participants in genomics research
We need to continue to ask people, in a multitude of ways, how they want to engage with the issues highlighted.
Lancet publishes Genomethics research
Engaging with the public, health professionals and scientists about how genetics is likely to shape healthcare and asking everyone to play a part in these major decisions is incredibly important. As research develops and the capabilities of genomic sequencing increase, we will need to continue this conversation.
Leading questions
Wellcome Trust supported 'I'm a Scientist': public engagement activity with school kids.
Opportunistic genomic screening: the voices that need to be heard
In the near future, with the impetus from Genomics England, whole-genome sequencing will become part of clinical practice in the NHS.
Attention The Times: Prince William’s DNA is not a toy
Your DNA contains information about your past, present and future: From medical health, such as predispositions to diabetes, to your ancestry.
Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer comments on Genomethics
We asked Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer to the British government for some feedback on our research.
‘No choice for you’ according to the ACMG
Family have exome sequencing to determine son's diagnosis.
Channel 4 news article on Genomethics survey
Channel 4 news ran a newspiece in 2014 on our research all about what people want to know from their genes
Should patients know that they are research subjects?
Would you want to know if you are research subject? Is it enough that your spare bits are donated willingly, and for the good of science? Or would you like to know what sorts of projects your bits will kindly participate in before given the opportunity to consent or decline?