Wellcome Connecting Science: A global provider of genomics learning and training

Wellcome Connecting Science’s mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society. Drawing on the ground-breaking research taking place on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge, UK, Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation, supports learning, and understands global attitudes and perspectives. We connect researchers, health professionals and the wider public, and create opportunities and spaces to explore genomic science and its relationship with people, and the world around us.

Our learning and training activities span basic research, cutting edge biomedicine, and the application of genomics in healthcare. We fund, develop and deliver courses and conferences. We also work closely with globally renowned scientists and healthcare professionals, to deliver an exceptional programme of activities.

We have more than 30 years’ experience of creating courses and conferences. We began in 1988 with just a single hands-on training course in DNA methods. Today, our Courses and Conferences team deliver more than 50 events online, on the campus, and in regional training hubs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America that educate, inspire and transform careers.

In an uncertain world, we have developed an innovative virtual platform to enable us to continue delivering our training and learning opportunities. Our delegates can still enjoy all the regular benefits of conference attendance, learn of the latest research developments from leaders in the field, and network with colleagues. However, instead of our usual UK venue, Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, these activities are held on our bespoke virtual conference platform, where we offer interactive tools, including spatial chat.

If you’re interested in developing an array of skills, our training activities are also available in a flexible online learning format. Our online courses have been developed in collaboration with a range of scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and other centres of excellence, as well as experts from our own team. Delivered in partnership with FutureLearn, the courses cover topics ranging from disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance to genomic scenarios in primary care. These short courses are free to access, at any time, for anyone around the world.

We also recognize that research is not just about learning specific scientific techniques, and that many other skills are essential. To address these career development skills, our new podcast, Your Digital Mentor, explores topics including dealing with imposter syndrome, leadership and effective mentoring.