Introduction to multi-omics data integration and visualisation

Over the last decades we witnessed a great increase in the reliability, throughput, scope, and affordability of ‘omics’ technologies (i.e. systems-level molecular data acquisition technologies). Thanks to these developments, data from multiple omics modalities about the same biological problem happens to occur more commonly, both in projects and public repositories, prompting researchers with new opportunities and challenges. 

This introductory course will highlight the challenges that researchers face in integrating multi-omics datasets. The course will focus on biological examples in a practice oriented way,  using public data resources and open access tools, with an emphasis on visualisation. This course will not include systems biology modelling or machine learning.

A major element of the course is a group project, where you will work together with 2-4 other participants on a challenge set by trainers from EMBL-EBI data resources and research teams. This allows you to explore the bioinformatics tools and resources introduced in the course and to apply these to a well defined research problem, providing hands-on experience relevant to your own research. The group work will culminate in a presentation session involving all participants on the final day of the course, allowing wider discussion on the benefits and challenges of the integrated analysis of multi-omics data.

Curious about what the group projects look like? Explore the ones created during the last run of this course: group projects 2026

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at biologists who are beginning to work on multi-omics data integration projects and beginner computational biologists/bioinformaticians who wish to gain a better knowledge of the biological challenges presented when working with integrated datasets. 

Some practical sessions in the course require a basic understanding of the Unix command line and the Python and R programming languages. If you are not already familiar with these, then please ensure that you complete these free tutorials before you attend the course:

• Introduction to the Unix environment 
• Introduction to R 
• Introduction to Python

What will I learn?

Course content

During this course you will learn about:

• Data curation and ID mapping
• Quality control for data integration
• Analysis and visualisation:  Cytoscape, Multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA), COSMOS, OmniPath
• Data driven and prior-knowledge driven, mechanistic methods of multi-omics integration
• Challenges and best practices in multi-omics data integration and analysis

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Discuss motivations for integrating different omics modalities manner
• Identify challenges of bringing different data types together
• Use a range of bioinformatics tools to analyse and visualise biological data

Trainers

Please read our support page before starting your application. 

Please submit all documents during the application process by 23:59 UK time on 22 November 2026. 

You will then be informed of the status of your application (successful, waiting list, or unsuccessful) by Tuesday 15 December 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact your Event Organiser, Charlotte Courtney.

Posters
If selected for this course, you will be asked to submit your poster upon registration. We expect the posters to act as a talking point between you, other attendees, 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 group.

Registration fees 
Payment must be completed within 14 days of receiving your acceptance email. Failure to do so may result in your place being offered to someone else on the waitlist.

 Your registration fee includes: 

• Catering as detailed in the course programme
• Accommodation for four nights (8, 9, 10, and 11 March 2027) 
• Access to the full five-day course programme
• Certificate on completion of the course
• Bespoke course handbook with links to all course materials
• Secure community space on Slack
• Use of a computer in the EMBL-EBI training suite throughout the course
• Secure virtual machines for the practical sessions listed in the programme
• Shuttle bus on the final course day to Cambridge train station 

* 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. For full details, please refer to our dedicated support page for information on available fee waivers, travel grants, and financial assistance.

Travel information
Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are needed for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status. Full details and information on how to apply can be found at the UK Gov website. 

Event terms and conditions

By applying and registering for events hosted by EMBL-EBI Training, you are adhering to our terms and conditions. We recommend that you read through these before submitting your details.

Course materials
The materials for the 2026 course are available for you to browse – https://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/materials/introduction-to-multiomics-data-integration-and-visualisation-materials/. These provide a snapshot of the content that will be covered in the 2027 course.

The EMBL-EBI Training team is committed to making our events inclusive and accessible to all participants, whether attending onsite or virtually. Please read our dedicated support page to find out how we may be able to support you with any accessibility requirements.