Functional Genomics and AI Summer School (1st – 3rd Sept 2026, Exeter U.K.)
In partnership with Google DeepMind and the U.K. Human Functional Genomics Initiative, the University of Exeter is offering a (2/3) day workshop covering a range of genome-sequencing topics, where students will get expert-led hands-on experience with the newly developed AlphaGenome.
Rapid technological developments are ushering the field of human genetics into the era of whole-genome sequencing, blended with breakneck advances machine-learning tools to predict functional importance of genetic variation. Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome represents a step-change in our ability to annotate the predicted effect of non-coding genetic variants. In parallel, there are now millions of whole-genome sequences from deeply phenotyped individuals (in cohorts like UK Biobank and All of Us) enabling the comprehensive analysis of non-coding rare and common variants across diseases. However, the rapid increase in size (>20Pb) and complexity of sequencing and annotation data has outpaced the expertise needed to enable new insights and new therapeutic targets. The University of Exeter’s Genomics group has been leading the way in developing the tools and understanding required to analyse this data.
In an exciting educational program, in partnership with Google DeepMind, we will bring together the state-of-the-art AlphaGenome predictions, and both Exeter’s world-leading expertise in WGS analyses and leadership of UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative. Our two/three day in person summer school consists of a series of workshops and seminars which cover a range of sequencing-related topics, including details on the AlphaGenome model, how to use AlphaGenome for population-scale aggregate testing, Quality Control of WGS data, and how to bring your findings into functional validation. Students will hear from experts from across the genetics field, and network with like-minded researchers.
