Genomics for Dermatology

This discussion-based course is designed to provide an introduction to human genetics and the genomic approaches used currently to understand disease mechanisms for those working in dermatology and skin biology.

The course will provide an understanding of contemporary genomics as applied to skin genetics in health and disease. This year’s programme will highlight genomic technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis, and focus on the advances of these technologies in skin biology. There will also be an emphasis on repair mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.

In addition to expert talks, the hands-on sessions will focus on variant interpretation and epigenetics, and the participants will have a unique opportunity to network with the leaders in the field through poster sessions and panel discussions.

Target audience

This course is aimed at clinical and academic dermatology trainees and skin biology researchers, including those in training, such as PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The course is also suitable for clinical and non-clinical lecturers and consultants.

After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the basic principles of genetic variation, gene expression and regulation
• Learn about DNA repair in skin and cancer
• Explain how phenotypes arise from genotypes in selected skin diseases
• Recognise epigenetic mechanisms and non-coding elements of the genome and their roles in skin biology
• Perform a basic variant interpretation process using clinical case history and genetic reports
• Recognise the impact of genetic diagnosis for skin disease and therapy development as well as the opportunities for gene therapies
• Describe innovations in sequencing and genomic technologies in skin biology and incorporation of AI
• Value the patient voice in research and recognise their need for new treatments

The course will start at approximately 12.00 on Monday 11 November and close at approximately 13.00 on Wednesday 13 November 2024. All times are in GMT.

Discussions will focus on a variety of exciting topics, including:

• Genomic literacy (workshop)
• Repair mechanisms and cancer
• Epigenetics (workshop)
• Genomic technologies in skin disease
• AI and genomics
• Therapies
• Rare disease patient voice

The programme also includes poster sessions to encourage scientific discussions and networking in a friendly environment.

A draft programme will be available soon.

Scientific programme committee

Ajoy Bardhan
University of Birmingham, UK

Joanna Jacków-Malinowska
King's College London, UK

David Kelsell
Queen Mary University of London, UK

Edel O'Toole
Queen Mary University of London, UK

Keynote speakers

Muzlifah Haniffa
Wellcome Sanger Institute/Newcastle University, UK

Peter Marinkovich
Stanford University

Confirmed speakers

David Adams
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Mandy Aldwin-Easton
Ichthyosis Support Group, UK

Diana Blaydon
Queen Mary University of London, UK

John Common
A*STAR Skin Research Labs, Singapore

Thomas Cullup
Great Ormond Street Hospital, UK

Joanna Jacków-Malinowska
King's College London, UK

Elizabeth Jones
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Mo Lotfollahi
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Pradeepa Madapura
Queen Mary University of London, UK

Sophie Momen
St John's Institute of Dermatology, UK

Maanasa Polubothu
University College London, UK

Janice Schwartz
Pachyonychia Congenita Project, USA

Lovorka Stojic 
Barts Cancer Institute, UK

Organisers – Wellcome Connecting Science

Lucy Criddle, Events organiser
Nagehan Ramazanoglu Bahadir, Programme developer

Prerequisites
This course is suitable for clinical and academic dermatology trainees and skin biology researchers, including those in training. Applications from clinical and non-clinical lecturers and consultants are also welcome.

How to Apply
Please complete the online application form, and be prepared to provide PDFs of:

1. Your CV
2. a short statement (maximum 300 words) justifying your attendance on the course which includes the following information:

• Outline of your current position
• Why do you want to attend this course and how you will benefit
• How do you plan to disseminate the knowledge after the course

Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Application and bursary deadline: 3 September 2024 at 23.59 BST

Participants are encouraged to stay onsite as networking and informal discussion are an important part of this training.

The fee will be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

Bursaries

Bursary deadline: 3 September 2024

Wellcome Connecting Science offers registration bursaries (usually 50% of the registration fee) to those who would benefit from training but face financial barriers to attending events.

Bursary applications need to be completed in the online course application form before the deadline.

Please be prepared to:

• explain why you would benefit from funding
• answer questions about your work.

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

Extra accommodation
Booked accommodation is for the nights of 11 and 12 November 2024. If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the course dates, please contact the Conference Centre directly.

Travel visas
Citizens of many countries can travel to the UK to attend a course or conference without needing a visa. Please check the UK government website for visitor information: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor.

Confirmed attendees requiring a letter to support a visa application should contact the event organiser.

Accommodation services phishing scam – please be vigilant. More information.

Feedback from the previous course participants

“This was a very inspiring course which gave me an insight of the work in the lab and research and provided tools for my own work. Also, it was a great opportunity to meet with people from around the work and share similar experiences and knowledge.”

“Excellent course! I really enjoyed the variety of the topics and that the participants were from many different countries, which was a real opportunity for networking and collaborations. Kudos to the organising committee that was very approachable, friendly and made sure that everything was fine.”

“I’m absolutely delighted with this course and have been recommending it to my colleagues already.”