Data-driven approaches to understanding dementia

Please note that this course, originally advertised as face-to-face, will now be delivered virtually. 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 the 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
• Introduction to R – https://swcarpentry.github.io/r-novice-inflammation/
• Introduction to Python – http://swcarpentry.github.io/python-novice-gapminder/ 

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Explore publicly available data of interest, including dementia specific resources
• Use software and tools to manipulate and analyse data
• Apply appropriate bioinformatics methodologies to dementia research projects
• Combine different types of data to gain further insights
• Identify EMBL-EBI data resources to access and analyse relevant data

Course content

During this course, you will learn about: 

• Single-cell analysis in dementia research
• Databases for regulatory information
• Biomarkers and polygenic risk score
• Tools for uncovering mechanisms of dementia from omics datasets
• BioImaging in dementia
• Machine learning approaches in dementia
• Dementia data resources: DataMap and DPUK
• EMBL-EBI data resources: ChEMBL, Gene Expression Atlas, Open Targets, PGS Catalog, and PRIDE

Trainers

Please read our support page before starting your application. 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 GMT on 25 January 2026. Items marked * in the application are mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, unsuccessful) by 9 February 2026.  If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Meredith Willmott.

Fees

The registration fee includes: 

• access to the full five-day course programme
• access to a bespoke online course handbook
• secure community space on Slack
• virtual machine to work on that is accessed via the internet
• dedicated online support team
• certificate on completion of the course

* If your company is an EMBL-EBI Industry Programme Member, discounts may be available. This will apply automatically on registration if applicable; alternatively, please contact your event organiser for more information.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available to a limited number of participants attending this course.

Registration fee waivers

A limited number of registration fee waivers are offered for this course.

• Application process:
  • Apply for the fee waiver alongside your course application.
  • Provide a brief explanation of why you require the waiver and how attending the course will benefit your career.
• Notification:
  • You will be informed of your waiver status at the same time as the outcome of your course application.
  • If awarded, the registration fee will be waived entirely.

Financial assistance terms and conditions

• Selection process: Recipients of financial assistance will be selected by the scientific organisers during the course application review.
• Selection criteria:
  • Selection is based on scientific merit, your current work or study location, the need for financial support, and the career impact of attending the course.
  • Priority will be given to applicants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
• Fair consideration: Applying for financial assistance will not impact the outcome of your course application.

Event terms and conditions

• Selection process: Recipients will be selected by the scientific organisers during the course application review.
• Selection criteria:
  • Selection is based on scientific merit, your current work or study location, the need for financial support, and the career impact of attending the course.
  • Priority will be given to applicants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
• Fair consideration: Applying for financial assistance will not affect your course application outcome.