Join us for the inaugural UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative Scientific Symposium at the University of Exeter.
Our aim is to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms by decoding the functions of every gene in the human genome. By exploring the functional consequences of disease-associated genetic variation, we will uncover critical insights to drive the development of novel treatments and interventions.
Working as a collaborative network of academia and industry partners, the initiative will leverage cutting-edge technologies and data science approaches to accelerate discovery and improve human health on a global scale.
Be part of our inaugural scientific symposium, where top experts from both industry and academia will share the latest advances in functional genomics. It’s a unique opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate on the future of genomics research.
With talks from leaders in genomic research:
Prof. Martin Kircher – University of Lübeck
Dr Delphine Larrieu – Altos Labs, Cambridge
Dr Ralda Nehme – Broad Institute
Dr Ioannis Sarropoulos – Human Call Atlas, Cambridge
Dr Lea Starita – University of Washington
Dr Roser Vento-Tormo – Wellcome Sanger Institute
Prof. Wendy Bickmore – University of Edinburgh
Prof. Mina Ryten – University of Cambridge
We’ll also be unveiling details of our project funding and industry collaboration opportunities, available for academics based at UK Higher Education Institutions. Funding will open in July 2025 – don’t miss the chance to be part of the next wave of transformative research.
We’re especially eager to support early career researchers and will soon be announcing travel and accommodation funding opportunities to ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend.
Registration closes at 23:59 on Sunday 1st June
Agenda (subject to change)
0930 – 1030 Registration, coffee, pastries and networking
1030 – 1215 Session 1:
1030 – 1045 Welcome to the UK Functional Genomics Initiative and launch of collaborative funding opportunity – Jonathan Mill, Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter
1045 – 1100 Exploring function in the dark genome – Wendy Bickmore, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh
1100 – 1110 An introduction to resources available in the UK Human Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory – Nicola McCarthy, Milner Therapeutics Institute
1110 – 1130 Harnessing the power of whole genome arrayed screening to discover new mechanisms and targets in rare genetic conditions – Delphine Larrieu, Altos Labs
1130 – 1145 An overview of the MRC Mouse Genetics Network – Sara Wells, Mary Lyons Centre
1145– 1215 Title to be confirmed – Lea Starita, Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington
1215 – 1330 Lunch, posters & networking
1330 – 1500 Session 2:
1330 – 1340 Sponsored talk
1340 – 1400 Mapping the human thymus one cell at a time: a Human Cell Atlas perspective – Ioannis Sarropoulos, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
1400 – 1430 Gene regulation of human cell systems – Roser Vento-Torno, Wellcome Sanger Institute
1430 – 1500 Interpreting variant function across the human genome – Martin Kircher, University of Lübeck
1500 – 1530 Break with refreshments
1530 – 1700 Session 3:
1530 – 1540 Sponsored talk
1540 – 1545 An introduction to BioFAIR – Tony Burdett
1545 – 1605 Protein feature-targeted mutagenesis to interrogate rare disease mechanisms – Matthew Child, Imperial College London
1605- 1620 Using functional genomics data for new therapeutics – Mina Ryten, Dementia Research Institute
1620 – 1650 Unravelling complexity using genetically diverse human cellular models – Ralda Nehme, Broad Institute
1650 – 1700 Closing remarks & poster winner announced
1700 – 1800 Drinks Reception
