Wellcome Connecting Science is part of the same organisational family as the Wellcome Sanger Institute. It works closely with the Sanger Institute and other organisations on the Wellcome Genome Campus to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society.

Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation, supports learning, and measures and understands global attitudes and perspectives. It connects researchers, health professionals and the wider public, creating opportunities and spaces to explore genomic science and its relationship with people and the world around us.

The programme comprises a range of expertise across engagement, learning, research, and training, and is led by interim director Dr Ireena Dutta.

Supporting learning and training for professional audiences is a key area of focus for Connecting Science. Our ambition is to create an international community of researchers and healthcare professionals, tackling global health challenges by applying and sharing the latest biomedical genomics research and practices.

Our Learning and Training offer spans from discovery research based on genomic technologies, to the application of genomics in healthcare and public health. We combine our expertise and experience in educational development and event delivery, with the specialist knowledge of colleagues from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and from across the globe. Together, we create potentially career-defining events and activities, to enable learners to explore the latest genomic tools, technologies, and applications. Our programme ranges from immersive, multi-day conferences and training courses on the Wellcome Genome Campus, to introductory, online learning, and focussed, hands-on courses in regional hubs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We aim to reach beyond the science, fostering networks for global collaboration and knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the development of new careers, skills, and understanding.

Find out more about our courses and conferences

Our work across Engagement and Society uses research and engagement approaches to investigate the impact of science, ethics, and genomic technologies on people, on both a local and a global scale. We listen, gather, and share insights on public attitudes and experiences; and we create equitable programmes, projects and resources that facilitate accessible engagement and dynamic learning. We use our insights and understanding to support a diverse range of intersecting communities, including young people, learners, educators, researchers, patients, and the public, to discover how genomic science is relevant to all our lives.

Find out more about our work across engagement and society.

Explore the diversity of career pathways into the field of genomics with our series of films and career profiles at https://www.yourgenome.org/tags/careers/

In 2022 we hosted a citizens’ jury consisting of 21 individuals whose lives have been affected by hereditary disease. The citizens’ jury considered the question: Are there any circumstances under which a UK Government should consider changing the law to allow intentional genome editing of human embryos for serious genetic conditions?

Hinxton Hall Conference Centre offers world-class event and meeting spaces designed for knowledge sharing in the scientific research community. Set in the tranquil grounds of the Wellcome Genome Campus, the venue boasts stunning contemporary architecture combined with heritage features. There are flexible meeting rooms for up to 300 people, including a tiered auditorium, which are complemented by extensive modern accommodation, and a food and drink offer driven by quality and sustainability. Hinxton Hall Conference Centre is part of Wellcome Connecting Science.

Find out more about the Hinxton Hall Conference Centre