Designing Laboratory-Based Training: A Workshop for Building Capacity in Genomics Technologies

Course Description: As sequencing technologies become increasingly accessible, there is a growing demand for comprehensive training in laboratory-based genomics which ensures that skills learnt can feasibly be implemented. The workshop, “Designing Laboratory-Based Training: A Workshop for Building Capacity in Genomics Technologies” addresses the need to democratise genomics approaches within the life sciences by cultivating a pool of skilled trainers capable of applying enquiry-based strategies to resourcefully deliver training in genomics technologies.

Target Audience: Targeting scientists interested in developing training skills in genomic technologies, including Group leaders, Staff Scientists, Postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students. Priority given to those with wet-lab experience at Wellcome Sanger Institute and the broader Wellcome Genome Campus, with limited spaces available for external applicants.

• Scope: Structured approach to learning and training design for genomics-based technologies, emphasising practical considerations of multiple contexts and variations in access to resources and infrastructure.
• Focus: Enquiry-based training strategies for techniques used in multiple types of genomic protocols (including sequencing both DNA and RNA, as well as newer methods such as single cell and long read sequencing) for cutting-edge applications in research and healthcare. There will be a particular emphasis on how to tailor a core set of content and activities to different environments, audiences, and scientific contexts.
• Approach: Hands-On Learning featuring practical exercises, troubleshooting, real examples from lab-based courses, and exercises exploring training design and delivery in contexts with specific constraints (such as limited space, budget or equipment). 
• Duration: A 2.5-day intensive workshop.

Benefits

• Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the sharing of experiences among participants and facilitators.
• Toolkit Development: Collaboratively creating a toolkit for laboratory-based genomics training based on shared resources and experiences.
• Sustainable Impact: Empowering scientists to design resourceful, purposeful, and sustainable training programs.

The course programme will run tentatively during the following times:

Monday 18 March: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm
Tuesday 19 March: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm
Wednesday 20 March: 9.00am – 4.30 pm

Course content

Focusing on wet-lab genomics approaches, the course will  cover the following topics:

• Theoretical and practical aspects to enquiry-based learning
• Training delivery approaches and formats
• Technical and logistical considerations of setting up laboratory-based genomics courses 
• Best practices in organising, planning and developing resourceful and inclusive laboratory-based genomics training 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Apply enquiry-based learning strategies to plan and design appropriate training resources and activities for a selected target audience encompassing aspects of generation of data using genomics technologies.
• Create a planning framework to mitigate administrative, technical and logistical challenges to deliver successful training.
• Assess the audience’s needs and adapt delivery approaches to accommodate diverse target audiences and capabilities. 
• Evaluate and reflect on learning design and knowledge sharing, and identify areas for improvement 

Course facilitators

Kim Judge – Bioinformatician, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Lia Chappell – Postdoctoral Fellow, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Mike Quail – Principal Scientist, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Shavanthi Rajatileka – Scientific Project Manager, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Alice Matimba – Head of Training and Global Capacity Building, Wellcome Connecting Science

Liã Bárbara Arruda – Education developer, Wellcome Connecting Science

Aaron Dean – Laboratory Assistant, Wellcome Connecting Science

Pre-requisites

Basic molecular biology laboratory skills are required. We expect participants to be familiar with the general principles of basic sequencing library protocols such as bulk DNA sequencing or bulk RNA-seq. 

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button above to begin the online application process. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Please note: You will require support from your sponsor (e.g. supervisor, line manager or head of department).

Travel visas
Successful applicants will be provided with a support letter for their visa application if required.

Please visit the following websites for further information on visiting the UK:

• UK Border Agency website
• Information for general visitors and business visitors

This is a residential course and the fee includes all accommodation and meals.

The course fee is subsidised by Wellcome Connecting Science and applies to non-commercial applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available (up to 25% reduction on the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the bursary section of the online application form.

Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may issue smaller amounts.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form. Applicants will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on the course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The decision of the selection committee is final.

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

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