This course provides individuals working in dementia research with the skills to access and analyse dementia data. Participants will learn to apply bioinformatics methodologies, combine different data types, and utilise relevant dementia data resources, enhancing their research capabilities in the field.

Who is this course for?

The course is aimed at individuals working in dementia research space who have minimal experience in bioinformatics. Applicants are expected to be at an early stage of using bioinformatics in their research with the need to develop their skills and knowledge further. Participants will need a basic knowledge of the Unix command line, and the R statistical package. We recommend these free tutorials:

• Introduction to the Unix environment – https://swcarpentry.github.io/shell-novice/index.html
• Basic R concepts – https://swcarpentry.github.io/r-novice-inflammation/ 

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

• Locate and search publicly available bioinformatics data of interest, including dementia specific resources
• Use software and tools to manipulate and analyse data
• Apply appropriate bioinformatics methodologies to research projects
• Combine different types of data to gain further insights

Course content

• Bulk and Single-cell RNA sequencing and databases of regulatory information
• Tools to extract mechanism relevant for dementia from ‘omics’ data
• BioImaging in dementia
• Dementia data resources: ADDI, AD Atlas, DPUK, AD Knowledge portal
• EMBL-EBI data resources: Gene Expression Atlas, ChEMBL, PRIDE, Open Targets

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 23:59 on Sunday 10 December 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 24 December 2023. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Juanita Riveros.

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. 

Posters

All participants are expected to present a poster. Successful applicants will be provided with further information and asked to submit this upon registration. 

We expect the posters to act as a talking point between you, other participants and the trainers on the course. They should give the reader an idea of the work you are engaged in, what you are planning to do next, and anything of interest that might be useful for sharing with the gathered participants

COVID-related information

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.

Please also note that there are delays in the issuing of visas from the UK Government. We encourage you to check if you need a visa and apply in plenty of time before travelling. Current waiting times are more than four weeks. For more information please visit the UK Government website.