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, and 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.

This course is organised in parallel with Managing a Bioinformatics Core Facility to maximise opportunities for networking. Shared sessions are highlighted in bold in the course programme.

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.

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 this 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 advice 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 "application submission" section where you are asked to provide three 100-word paragraphs that cover your:
  • scientific biography
  • work history
  • current research interests
• Upload a 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 25 February 2022. Items marked * are mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, rejected) by 11 March 2022. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Juanita Riveros.

Note that the registration fee includes:

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshment breaks)
• Accommodation for two nights at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre
• Course materials
• Use of a computer in the EMBL-EBI IT Training Room throughout the course

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

The course includes evening meals at the Hinxton Hall Restaurant on campus or the Red Lion Pub in nearby Hinxton village, and breaks and lunches outside the EMBL-EBI training rooms.