What we do
Learning and training
We are creating an international community of researchers and healthcare professionals, tackling global health challenges by applying and sharing the latest biomedical genomics research and practices.
Engagement and society
We are engaging global public audiences with the breadth of genomic science and its impact on society. We encourage conversations, ask for opinions, and empower researchers to share their experiences.
Latest news
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
New insights into the experiences of different groups at research conferences in the UK
Exploring participation at conferences and how we enhance our own offer.
Read article
New leadership roles in Learning and Training
Dr Michelle Bishop, Associate Director, Learning and Training, shares details about role developments within her leadership team.
Read article
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.
Read article
Connecting Science Director honoured by EMBO
Our Director, Professor Julian Rayner, has been elected to membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
Read article
Building a foundation for “Generation Genome”
Two film projects, commissioned and produced by Wellcome Connecting Science, explore the work and impact of genetic counsellors, and convey the value of research in order to evolve practice. A total of nineteen films across two series, they are free, and publicly available to download and share.
Read article
Finding ways to listen
A recent national commitment to increased public involvement in research coincides with a step change in our efforts in Wellcome Connecting Science to enable the public to contribute to shaping genomic research.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Connecting Science Annual Review 2021
We’ve launched our new annual review, download it here.
Read article
First of its kind global Covid-19 genomics training programme launched
A new training collaboration between Wellcome Connecting Science and the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium
Read article
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.
Read article
Hinxton Hall’s orchard “Sci-der”
The ChEMBL team at the European Bioinformatics Institute, the Tree of Life programme at the Sanger Institute and Simon’s Cider in Godmanchester have teamed up to turn apples from Hinxton Hall orchard into cider!
Read article
Sanger Excellence Fellowship scheme opens
Are you interested in how we understand public perspectives on genomics? The intersection of ethics, policy, and genomics?
Read article
Tree Planting at Hinxton Hall
The Hinxton Hall Conference Centre team get their hands dirty for National Tree Week!
Read article
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.
Read article
Supporting projects and people
You might have thought that this has been a quiet year for the Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, but we’ve actually been very busy supporting our Wellcome Connecting Science, Wellcome Sanger Institute and Wellcome Genome Campus colleagues!
Read article
Case study: Hacking into health challenges
In 2018, the team at the Hinxton Hall Conference Centre had an opportunity to host a very different type of event. Our Wellcome Connecting Science Courses and Conferences colleagues, were collaborating with the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship team, to develop a ‘hackathon’ based around informatics and biodata.
Read article
#flowcellular
Explore ouronline exhibition where playful encounters with food real the science behind what happens in our DNA at a cellular level as we age.
Read article
Covid Connections
Catch up with this series of talks looking at the role genomics is playing in fighting the pandemic.
Read article
Hinxton Hall: Georgians, Jet Engines, and Genes
What do you know about Hinxton Hall?
Read article
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
Read article
Stories from Public Engagement Case studies
Wellcome Connecting Science Public Engagement team have put together story highlights from projects throughout the year.
Read article
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
Read article
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.
Read article
Training healthcare professionals during a pandemic
Rachel Berkson, from our Courses and Conferences team, discusses the opportunities and challenges of online training
Read article
Scaled-up training collaboration brings vital genomics skills to African researchers
Large-scale bioinformatics training will further equip scientists with the skills to help tackle major health challenges
Read article
Boost for data science training for researchers and healthcare professionals working in pathogen genomics
Our new collaboration with the Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance receives a UKRI grant to support urgent capacity building for data science applications.
Read article
You might have noticed that something about us looks a little different…
An update on our new brand.
Read article
I:DNA – an immersive exploration into the view of people living with genetic conditions
Multi-sensory art installation delving into the lived-experiences of people with a range of inherited conditions moves online.
Read article
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.
Read article
Connecting Science Public Engagement Prizes 2020
Recognising outstanding efforts in engaging public or school audiences with Wellcome Genome Campus’ science, research and innovation.
Read article
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.
Read article
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
Read article
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
Read article
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.
Read article
New podcast to provide access to digital mentoring and career development tips for early career researchers
Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences helps to deliver a free global podcast series on mentorship.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Genetic Counsellors: Walking on the genetics journey
Professor Anna Middleton explores the importance of research to the implementation of genetic counselling into clinical practice.
Read article
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.
Read article
Genetic Counsellors: Enabling Patients to Fostering Resilience
Dr Jonathan Roberts shares his insights into the challenges genetic counsellors face in helping patients adjust to uncertainty.
Read article
Genetic Counsellors: Helping patients cope with bad results
Dr Chirstine Patch talks about the art of caring in genetic counselling clinical practice.
Read article
COVID-19, genomics and the ordinary language of extraordinary things
We're living during a period rife with scientific buzzwords. To what degree does the science itself need to be ‘explained’ in ordinary and everyday terms?
Read article
Gardening during lockdown
Guest blog by Lee Outhwaite, Head Gardener at the Wellcome Genome Campus.
Read article
Genetic Counsellors: Communicating complex messages
Explore how and why genetic counsellors need specialist communication skills and high emotional intelligence to effectively help their clients and their respective families.
Read article
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.
Read article
An Antimicrobial Resistance Toolkit
Digital AMR resources from Advanced Courses and Scientific Courses to support scientists, researchers, and healthcare workers.
Read article
Genetic Counsellors: An Important Part of Multidisciplinary Clinical Healthcare Teams
“Genetic Counsellors are increasingly playing a pivotal role in multidisciplinary team meetings, which is a great way of mainstreaming genomic knowledge from genetic counsellors into the wider healthcare team”.
Read article
Genetic Counsellors: A unique skill set
Explore the emotional dynamics of genetic testing and hear how the counselling process is more than just the delivery of technical information.
Read article
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.
Read article
Tackling the global problem of antimicrobial resistance through professional online development
This exciting new course delivers online learning approaches to practical laboratory techniques, through a series of videos and interactive exercises.
Read article
The duty of care: a genetic balancing act?
Who does genetic testing information belong to, and who decides who it is shared with?
Read article
Genetic counselling in Focus
The vital role of genetic counsellors, in their own words: Introduction to the Voices of Genetic Counsellors video series.
Read article
Genomics in nursing and healthcare
Knowledge and understanding of why and where genomics is relevant to everyday clinical practice is becoming increasingly important.
Read article
Meeting Modern China at Cambridge Sustainable Tourism Conference 2020
In February the Conference Centre exhibited at the Cambridge Sustainable Tourism Conference 2020 – China Sector. Find out how we got on!
Read article
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.
Read article
Championing inclusion and diversity at biomedical research meetings
How can conferences encourage a supportive research culture where all can thrive?
Read article
Local history project: Memories of Hinxton Hall
We are gathering memories of Hinxton Hall and need your help!
Read article
LifeLab 2019: A snapshot
LifeLab 2019 reached 3,500 adults and children in Cambridgeshire as part of European Researchers Night in September.
Read article
Genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance
New train-the-trainer course aims to improve global capacity and skills in low- and middle income-countries.
Read article
Addressing inclusion in genetic counselling: A trans community perspective
Reubs Walsh, a scientist working to define better healthcare guidelines for the transgender community, joined the 2019 World Congress on Genetic Counselling to talk about transgender risk profiles.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
LifeLab returns to Cambridgeshire for European Researchers' Night
An exciting programme of free events and activities for the Cambridgeshire region on 27/28 September.
Read article
“Informed Consent” to edit embryos: what consent?
Richard Milne and Anna Middleton from Society and Ethics Research provide a commentary on informed consent and its relation to gene editing in human embryos, in the context of recent activities in this area.
Read article
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.
Read article
Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre have committed to phase out single-use plastic by 2025
If we continue at the current rate, by 2025 the ratio of fish to plastic in our oceans will be three-to-one; one kilogram of plastic for every three kilograms of fish.
Read article
The Future of Genetic Counselling
Dr Jonathan Roberts discusses how genetic counselling may develop in the new age of genomic medicine.
Read article
The importance of diversity in the world of personalised genomics
The promised benefits of personalised medicine are unlikely to benefit all while the genomic studies are predominantly limited to European populations.
Read article
Meeting room renamed the Barbara McClintock Pavilion
Who was Barbara McClintock, and why have we named one of our Conference Centre meeting rooms after her?
Read article
Connecting Science Annual Review 2018-2019
The review includes twelve excellent articles written by Connecting Science staff.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We are delighted to announce that we are part of EDIS.
Read article
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.
Read article
Developing a genomics workforce for the future
We discuss the recommendations of the Topol Review in relation to genomics.
Read article
25 Genomes Schools Competition winners visit the Wellcome Genome Campus
St Dominic's Grammar School, Belfast, visits Campus after winning 25 Genomes Schools Competition.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Translating the genomics revolution for patient benefit
Commercialising Genomic Research – 2018 workshop summary and new LinkedIn group
Read article
A look back at LifeLab 2018
September saw one of the world's largest science events come to Cambridge and Peterborough.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences launch third online 'Bacterial Genomes' course
The courses introduces the open-source genome browser and annotation, Artemis, which enables scientists to bring their work to life and share new understanding visually.
Read article
Explore the world around us with Curious Nature
A new exhibition exploring the Wellcome Sanger Institute's 25 Genomes project.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
New online course introduces bioinformatics to address skills-gap
Free online course - Bacterial Genomes: From DNA to protein function using bioinformatics - starts 11 June.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Cambridge Café Sci relaunches in February
Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement relaunches Café Sci in Cambridge this February
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Hands-on genomics at Orkney International Science Festival 2017
Our Public Engagement team headed north to get stuck into Orkney International Science Festival 2017
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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
Read article
First Connecting Science annual review launched
Our first annual review is now available to download.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
Society and Ethics Research: what do we really think about genomics?
We listen and learn as well as share and inform.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
‘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.
Read article
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!
Read article
Your Genome, Your Research Agenda
Listening to patient experiences of genome sequencing.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
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.
Read article
History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation
History and impact of malaria parasite inspire immersive audiovisual installation.
Read article