This course has been designed to provide principal investigators (PI's) working in the life sciences with an introduction to the challenges of working with biological data as a research leader.

Starting with a look at where bioinformatics and data science fits into their research teams, the course will enable PI’s to take a strategic look at the requirements for undertaking such work and how bioinformatics capacity can be developed from personnel through to computational needs.

It will additionally provide guidance on strategies for managing data, the importance of data sharing; how to work with computational collaborators and what resources are available across the life sciences to support such work.

During this course, we will not be teaching hands-on bioinformatics analysis, but we will be signposting appropriate training resources to upskill you and your team.

In-person course

We plan to deliver this course in an in-person manner onsite at our training suite at EMBL-EBI, Hinxton.  Please be aware that we are continually evaluating the ongoing pandemic situation and, as such, may need to change the format of courses at short notice. Your safety is paramount to us; you can read our COVID guidance policy for more information. All information is correct at time of publishing.

Additional information

This course is currently under construction and so details are subject to change.

Please note that we will operate this course face-to-face at EMBL-EBI in Hinxton. Hybrid options are not currently available. We reserve the right to change the format of this course or cancel it, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at both new and established investigators who lead a research team which currently uses bioinformatics, or where bioinformatics will be a component in future research. No prior knowledge of bioinformatics, or experience of analysis is required for this course. Applications are invited from investigators working in all settings, including academic, clinical, and industrial organisations.

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After the course you should be able to:

• Define the potential and pitfalls of bioinformatics use in your research
• Identify your team needs in terms of bioinformatics use and support
• Develop appropriate plans for the management and sharing of data
• Support the development of bioinformatics skills within your team

Trainers

Please read our page on application support before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

• Complete the online application form.
• Ensure you add relevant information to the ‘submission details’ section where you are asked to provide information on your:
  • pre-requisite skills and knowledge
  • current work and course expectations
  • data availability
• Upload one letter of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague detailing reasons why you should be selected for the course.

Please submit all documents during the application process by midnight on 26 March 2023. Items marked * in the application are mandatory. Incomplete registrations will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, unsuccessful) by 3 April 2023. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Jane Reynolds.

The registration fee of £450.00 includes:

• Catering as detailed on the course programme
• Accommodation for two nights (19 and 20 June) 
• Bespoke course handbook with links to all course materials
• Use of a computer in the EMBL-EBI training suite throughout the course
• Shuttle bus on the final course day to Cambridge train station

Accommodation 

Hotel rooms will be provided onsite at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre. Please contact them directly if you wish to arrange to stay additional nights around the course dates.

Catering

The course includes catering as detailed on the programme tab. Successful applicants will be asked for any dietary requirements and allergies upon registration. 

Course materials

The course materials from the 2022 edition of the course are now live and available for you to use. They provide a mixture of presentations, and practicals from the course, and will give you a snapshot of what to expect in the 2023 edition.