EBI Training - Frequently Asked Questions

I'm bringing my laptop; can I get an internet connection?

The reception teams at the European Bioinformatics Institute and Wellcome Trust Conference Centre will be able to provide you with a wireless token, free of charge, for the duration of your stay.

I need a power adaptor; where can I get one from?

The reception team at the European Bioinformatics Institute have international adaptors that can be borrowed. Alternatively, guests can purchase adaptors at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre reception. They accept all credit cards, except American express and Switch. There is no bureau de change so if you prefer to pay by cash, please ensure that you have GB pound sterling.

I forgot my washbag, can you supply me with the essentials?

The reception team at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre have a selection of personal items for sale.

Can you recommend a good route for a run?

You are welcome to use the grounds of the campus; we have a splendid wetlands area and a beautiful wooded area. Due to our rural location, routes may be unlit and therefore we advise delegates to exercise caution when running. If you would prefer to explore the surrounding villages, the reception team at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre will be able to provide you with a map, which will guide you through Hinxton and Ickleton.

It's 11:30 at night and I've just arrived. Can I get something to eat?

Upon arrival at the campus you will pass through the 24-hour security gate. The Security team will be happy to answer any questions that you may have upon arrival and will be available to guide you to the snack machines.

Can I request a course, scientific conference, workshop?

All suggestions are gratefully received. Please see our contact page for details.

How do I get from Cambridge to the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus using public transport?

Please take a look here for directions.

How do I get from the airport to the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus?

Please take a look here for directions.

Does Hinxton Hall offer preferential accommodation rates if I am attending a course on site?

Your course organiser will have negotiated your bedroom rate, and this will be advertised with the course details. If you wish to make a direct booking at Hinxton Hall, then the standard charge will apply.

What happens if I want to attend only part of a course?

From our experience, we are certain that to gain the most from a course, delegates should attend for the full duration. In addition to this, many of our courses are heavily subsidised and so there are financial implications to partial participation. However, we understand that there may be personal circumstances and emergencies that prevent this, so please talk to your course organiser so that they can accommodate your requirements wherever possible.

Are the courses free?

There is a registration charge per course. All courses are run 'not for profit' so the registration fee is to cover the cost of accommodation, catering and conference facilities. Additionally we subsidise many of our courses in order to bring down the cost to our participants.

Does the course fee include accommodation on site?

Please see the individual course price list, as each meeting is arranged differently, depending on accommodation availability, duration of the course etc.

Is there someone I can contact about the course if I have further questions?

Please see the contacts link for your course of interest.

How do I register for a course?

Each course, conference or workshop has its own registration page. Please follow the "Registration" link in the event homepage. If you have any questions, please use the contact link on the relevant course information page.

What happens if I do not attend a course I have registered for?

Each course, conference or workshop has its own cancellation procedure. If a refund is not possible, then we encourage you to send a substitute. It is also sometimes possible to transfer your registration to a later event but this is at the discretion of the course organisers.

Are there catering facilities available outside of the course programme?

If you are accommodated on campus, you will be provided with breakfast. If you wish to have lunch, the Dina (08:30 - 17:00) in the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute serves sandwiches, jacket potatoes and selection of freshly made cakes. If you wish to have dinner, the Red Lion Public House is located approximately 5 minutes walk from the campus. If you need any directions, the reception team at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre will be able to assist you.

Is my travel included in the course fee?

The course fees cover accommodation, catering and course materials. Course participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the course venue. See here for advice on how best to reach us.

What if I need a Visa?

If you need a visa, please contact the event organiser for the specific course. They will be able to advise you further and will deal with each request on its individual merits.

Can I get a receipt for the course fees?

Receipts are provided to all attendees at the end of each course.

What if I need to wash some clothes?

There is a laundry room available to use with washing machines, tumble driers and ironing facilities. Further details of facilities can be obtained from the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre reception, where washing powder can also be purchased.

Can I get points towards my studies for attending?

The European Bioinformatics Institute does not provide any course credits. We do provide a certificate of attendance but you will need to consult your own institution to find out whether this is sufficient to meet their own standards for course accreditation.

Do you offer any travel bursaries?

The European Bioinformatics Institute does not provide travel bursaries but on rare occasions individual course sponsors may provide some additional funding for this purpose. Please see the individual course details for more information.

I have an allergy; can this be taken into account?

If you have any allergy or medical needs, please provide us with the specific details in advance and we will make every effort to make your visit as comfortable as possible. If your allergy or medical need is particularly severe there are first-aid trained staff on site but we urge you to ensure you have any vital medication with you at all times.