Under the microscope – The genius of understanding the genome

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Registration: 6.30pm

Presentations: 6.45pm/7pm, followed by a buffet supper & networking

Venue: The Kings Fund, 11–13 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0AN

It’s finally here folks – after so many failed attempts to restart our in-person event programme it’s actually happening on 21^st April at the Kings Fund!  So make sure you put the date in your diary now!

It will be a wonderful occasion to catch up with everyone again and also an amazing opportunity to learn about the work of the sponsors of the evening-Genomics England – the organisation at the centre of the UK’s genomics revolution, with a first class line up of speakers Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer, Genomics England; Dr Richard Scott, Chief Medical Officer, Genomics England and Dr Ellen McDonagh, Informatics Science Director, Open Targets & European Bioinformatics Institute.

The NHS Genomic Medicine Service is the first national healthcare system in the world to offer whole genome sequencing as part of routine healthcare. But what exactly is it and how was it made possible? Who can it help right now and what’s on the horizon for this trail blazing technology?

Best known for the ground-breaking 100,000 Genomes Project, it provides and constantly improves genetic diagnosis for the NHS. Genomics England is also the guardian of the National Genomic Research Library, which enables researchers to make new discoveries and develop better treatments and diagnostics.

These advances not only allow for a quicker and more precise diagnosis, they also deliver more personalised treatments than were previously thought possible to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Genomics is an exciting and expanding area of medical science that’s rapidly moving into the mainstream – both in healthcare and media coverage.

You’ll hear an introduction to Genomics England and the research it’s involved with, both present and future, from their Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Matt Brown, including information on the new ‘long read’ cancer programme.

Followed by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rich Scott, who will be explaining the vision for the whole genome sequencing for the newborn screening programme, currently in its consultation phase.

The final speaker is Dr Ellen McDonagh, who will be explaining why pharmacogenomics – uncovering each individual’s personal reaction to medicines – is key to safer and more effective treatment for all.

And if you’re thinking genomics – help – prior to the event, Vivienne Parry, former Guild member and head of public engagement at Genomics England, will provide a short online bluffer’s guide to genomics.

It’s all fascinating stuff with multiple potential angles.

Genomics England has access to a large bank of case studies and there will be plenty of opportunity to question and mingle with speakers, Genomics England staff and participants.

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‘The Guild of Health Writers thanks Genomics England for their generous sponsorship of this event and would like to state that this is an independent event.  In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products’.