Behind the Genes

Genomics has changed considerably over the past 10 years, and we are now exploring how to integrate it into routine healthcare. In this episode, our guests reflect on this evolution and discuss how the key learnings from the past 10 years can shape the genomics ecosystem of the future. They highlight the importance of partnership across teams, organisations and participants, emphasising the import...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked James Duboff, Strategic Partnerships Director at Genomics England, to explain how genomic data can be used in drug discovery. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, feel free to co...

Ethical considerations are essential in genomic medicine and clinical practice. In this episode, our guests dive into the details of ethical principles, highlighting how they can be brought into practice in the clinic, whilst considering the experiences and feelings of patients and participants. Our host, Dr Natalie Banner, Director of Ethics at Genomics England, speaks to Professor Sir Jonathan M...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England, to explain what personalised medicine is and how it could change the way we treat genetic conditions and cancer. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions, or have any...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Will Navaie, Head of Ethics Operations at Genomics England, to explain what ethics is and why it's important, in the context of genomics. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, feel...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Marie Nugent, Community Manager for the Diverse Data Initiative at Genomics England, to explain what diversity is and why it's important, in the context of genomics. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics y...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Ellen Thomas, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Genomics England, to explain what genetic and genomic tests are, why someone might do a test, and how they are performed, in less than 10 minutes. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions...

Joey was diagnosed with DYRK1A syndrome at the age of 13, through the 100,000 Genomes Project. DYRK1A syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder, caused by changes in the DYRK1A gene which causes a degree of developmental delay or learning difficulty. In today's episode, Naimah Callachand, Head of Product Engagement and Growth at Genomics England, speaks to Joey's parents, Shaun Pye and Sarah Crawfor...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Clare Kennedy, Clinical Bioinformatician at Genomics England, to explain what the difference is between DNA and RNA, in less than 10 minutes. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain,...

There are a range of outcomes from a genomic test. The results might provide a diagnosis, there may be a variant of uncertain significance , where a genetic variant is likely the cause of the condition, or there might be no particular gene found that is linked to the phenotype or clinical condition - also known as a "no primary finding" result. In this episode, our guests explore the impact of a "...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Helen Brittain, Clinical Lead for Rare Disease Diagnostics at Genomics England, to explain what a variant of uncertain significance is, in less than 10 minutes. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel . If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d...

29 February marks Rare Disease Day. This day is an opportunity for the rare community to come together to raise awareness of the common issues affecting those living with rare conditions. A rare condition is a condition that affects less than one in 2,000 in the population, and although rare conditions are individually rare they are collectively common. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 ra...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked David Bick, Principal Clinician for the Newborn Genomes Programme at Genomics England, to explain more about the Generation Study, in less than 10 minutes. For more information you can listen to our podcast episode where David discusses the conditions that we will initially look for in the study . You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of...

In January we saw experts from across the genomics ecosystem, including patients and those with an interest in genomics, gather at the Festival of Genomics - the UK's largest annual life sciences event. In this episode, our host, Vivienne Parry, Head of Engagement at Genomics England, speaks to Louise Fish, CEO of Genetic Alliance UK , and Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics...

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Ana Lisa Tavares, Clinical Lead for rare disease research at Genomics England, to explain what a rare condition is, in less than 10 minutes. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our  YouTube channel If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, fe...

On this episode, we delve into the promising advances that artificial intelligence (AI) brings to the world of genomics, exploring its potential to revolutionise patient care. Our guests discuss public perspectives on AI in genomics and address the ethical complexities that arise in this rapidly evolving field. Gain valuable insights into the future landscape of genomics and AI, as our experts dis...

In this instalment, our guests engage in a compelling discussion centred around a recently published paper that supports the integration of whole genome sequencing into standard cancer care .  Our guests shed light on the transformative potential of combining health data with whole genome data. Discover how this innovative approach empowers doctors to deliver more personalised and effective care....

As we approach the conclusion of 2023, we reflect on a year that not only signifies our 10-year anniversary but also marks another chapter of our podcast. Throughout the year, guests have joined us fortnightly to share their research, stories, and aspirations for the future of genomic healthcare.  In this special end-of-year episode, Naimah Callachand sits down with Dr Rich Scott, Interim Chief Ex...

On today's episode, our guests will be discussing the CanGene-CanVar programme . Funded by Cancer Research UK, the 5-year programme aims to create an interface between NHS clinical care and research that will expand genetic testing access for those with inherited cancers. Our host Amanda Pichini, Clinical Lead for Genetic Counselling at Genomics England, is joined by Dr Helen Hanson, Consultant in...

This year as we celebrated our 10-year annivesary, the NHS celebrated a significant milestone of 75 years. In this episode we reflect on our journey over the last 10 years, including the impact of embedding genomic testing into the NHS, how it all started with the 100,000 Genomes Project, and how patients have influenced the shape of the Genomic Medicine Service today. Host Rebecca Middleton, Vice...

Genetic Counsellors play an important part in healthcare and research. This Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day we focus on the role genetic counsellors have in research, to help improve care for patients and families. On this episode, Amanda Pichini, Clinical Lead for Genetic Counselling at Genomics England, is joined by Emma Walters, member of the Participant Panel at Genomics England, and Jonathan...

Unfortunately, please note you may be able to hear some background noise or static during some parts of the recording. In this episode, Candice King, Patient and Public Engagement Manager and Will Townley, Cohorts Manager who both work at the Diverse Data initiative at Genomics England, are joined by Dr Mie Rizig and Sir John Hardy, who both work at University College London (UCL). This podcast de...

The Newborn Genomes Programme is delivering the Generation Study in partnership with the NHS. The study will explore the possibilities of whole genome sequencing in newborn babies, including to identify a wider range of rare genetic conditions current NHS newborn blood spot test . To do this, we have undertaken significant engagement work to identify the genetic conditions that should be looked fo...

In this episode, Naimah Callachand, Head of Product Engagement and Growth at Genomics England, is joined by Dr Jack Bartram, consultant paediatric haematologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for Children. Dr Bartram leads on molecular diagnostics within the haematology department at GOSH and has expertise in minimal residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He is currently the cl...

This week, our host Will Macken, is joined by a panel of Early Career Researcher (ECR) representatives to discuss how ECRs can navigate and position themselves within the ever-changing field of genomic research. Will is a clinician and researcher at the University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Will is also an ECR representative on the Genomics...