Best Genomics England Podcasts (2025)

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Interview with Vladimir Potapov: The NEBridge Ligase Fidelity Tool 14:19

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2h ago14:19

14:19

Hear from Valadimir Potapov, a Bioinformaticist here at NEB and an important part of the team that builds online tools to aid both NEB scientists and our customers in calculations and experimental design. Valdimir joins us to talk through the open access Ligase Fidelity Tools which are used to aid in the design of DNA Assembly via the Golden Gate m…

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Jenna Cusworth-Bolger, Tracie Miles and Rachel Peck: How are families and hospitals bringing the Generation Study to life? 40:32

9h ago40:32

40:32

In this episode, we step inside the NHS to explore how the Generation Study is brought to life - from posters in waiting rooms to midwife training. We follow the journey of parents joining the study at the very start of their baby’s life, and hear from those making it happen on the ground. Our guests reflect on the teamwork between families and hos…

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Dr Nour Elkhateeb: What is a clinical geneticist? 9:31

14d ago9:31

9:31

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Dr Nour Elkhateeb, clinical fellow at Genomics England and clinical geneticist for the NHS, to explain the role of a clinical geneticist. The previous episode mentioned in the conversation is linked below. What is the diagnostic odyssey? You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common …

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Interview with Samuel Ogunsola: Celebrating African Women in STEM 18:55

27d ago18:55

18:55

Samuel Ogunsola, co-founder of Shaping African Women in STEM, shares what inspired him to launch the program and how it has grown.By New England Biolabs

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Francisco Azuaje, Karim Beguir, Harry Farmer and Dr Rich Scott: How can cross-sector collaborations drive responsible use of AI for genomic innovation? 38:08

28d ago38:08

38:08

In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being applied in genomics through cross-sector collaborations. Genomics England and InstaDeep are working together on AI and machine learning-related projects to accelerate cancer research and drive more personalised healthcare. Alongside these scientific advances, …

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S5 E6 - Rare, Not Alone: Genomics England’s Work on Rare Disease with Dr. Richard Scott 29:21

2M ago29:21

29:21

In our final episode of The Road to Genome season 5, we speak to the CEO of Genomics England Dr Richard Scott about the work of Genomics England, the creation of the Generation Study, and having the tough discussions to drive the future of genomics. Dr Richard Scott joined Genomics England in 2015. He is also a Consultant and Honorary Senior Lectur…

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Interview with Dr. Adewunmi Akingbola: Combating Hepatitis B in Nigeria 24:54

2M ago24:54

24:54

In this podcast, hear from Dr. Adewunmi Akingbola, founder of HealthDrive Nigeria, which combats viral hepatitis in underserved Nigerian communities through increasing awareness, screening and treatment.By New England Biolabs

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S5 E5 - The Newborn Genomes Programme with David Bick 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

In the penultimate episode of Season 5, we talk to David Bick - Principal Clinician for the Newborn Genomes Programme at Genomics England, who tells us more about the programme's Generation Study, and how the echoes from the past are helping to usher in the future. The Generation Study is a groundbreaking research study which will sequence the geno…

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S5 E4 - The role of the Chief Nursing Officer - paving the way for genomics in Nursing & Midwifery 44:41

3M ago44:41

44:41

In this episode of The Road to Genome, we speak to Dame Janice Sigsworth, Chief Nursing Officer, about her path into the world of genomics, and the work being done to share and awaken the knowledge of genomics in the workforce. Genomics touches us all in many ways, and brings it's own challenges and successes to those both in and out of the NHS wor…

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S5 E3 - Becoming a Clinical Scientist, with Nikki Smith, STP trainee 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

In this episode, Helen talks to Nikki Smith, trainee on the STP (Clinical Scientist Training) programme at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Nikki has taken many twists and turns to get to her current role on the STP programme, and shares with us about her experiences on the programme, the many inspiring people she has worked with, and her o…

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Interview with Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi: Nobel Laureate and Serial Entrepreneur 40:27

3M ago40:27

40:27

Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi’s impact in the field of glycosylation has been profound, enabling on our current understanding of disease and inflammation presentation and potential vehicles for treatment. Dr. Bertozzi was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2024 for the development of biorthogonal chemistry, and she explains how this understanding can impact disease…

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S5 E2 - DHDDS: Turning a Diagnosis into a Global Support Network 32:05

4M ago32:05

32:05

In this episode, Helen is in Guy's Hospital London, supported by the South East Genomic Medicine Service, talking to Mel Dixon about her experience with the rare genetic condition DHDDS. After two of Mel's children were diagnosed with DHDDS, Mel and her husband Charlie founded Cure DHDDS, a charity set up to raise awareness, support families and he…

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S5 E1 - Genomics from both sides, a patient and professional perspective with Eddie Blair 42:12

4M ago42:12

42:12

In this first episode of our new season, Helen Bethell is at the School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, talking to Eddie Blair, Vice-Chair of the Patient & Public Voice Forum for the East Genomic Medicine Service. Eddie shares his career journey through microbiology and virology, along with his experience as a genomic pat…

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DNA Cleanup 101 14:32

4M ago14:32

14:32

NEB technical support scientist, Jack Martz and NEB Development Scientist Heejin Kim talk about best practice for DNA Cleanup. We will talk about the history of DNA Cleanup and the methods available, as well as share some guidance on selecting the method that is right for your work.By New England Biolabs

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Dr Harriet Etheredge, Gordon Bedford, Suzalee Blair-Gordon and Suzannah Kinsella: How do people feel about using genomic data to guide health across a lifetime? 30:35

4M ago30:35

30:35

In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore the hopes, concerns and complex questions raised by the idea of a lifetime genome — a single genomic record used across a person’s life to guide healthcare decisions. Drawing on conversations from Genomics England’s Public Standing Group on the lifetime genome, our guests explore what it might mean fo…

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Dr Natalie Banner, Paul Arvidson, Dr Rich Gorman and Professor Bobbie Farsides: How can we enable ethical and inclusive research to thrive? 42:02

5M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore how ethical preparedness can offer a more compassionate and collaborative approach to genomic medicine. Drawing on insights from the EPPiGen Project, our guests discuss how creative storytelling methods, like poetry, have helped families and professionals navigate the complex emotional, ethical and pr…

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Interview with Dr. Anne Madden: A Microbial World of Possibilities 23:58

5M ago23:58

23:58

In this podcast, Dr. Anne Madden, founder of the Microbe Institute, shares why understanding microbes is important and why she is compelled to educate others.By New England Biolabs

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Interview with Dr. Rita Colwell: A lifetime in science 27:33

6M ago27:33

27:33

Dr. Rita Colwell, internationally recognized expert on cholera and other infectious diseases, shares insights from a lifetime in the field of science.By New England Biolabs

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S4 E6 - Hereditary Brain Aneurysm - From Patient Journey to Pioneering Support, with Rebecca Middleton 55:11

6M ago55:11

55:11

In this episode of The Road to Genome, we interview Rebecca Middleton at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Rebecca talks to us about her experience as a patient with a hereditary brain aneurysm, through the diagnosis and treatment, and the rollercoaster of emotions this brings. She also tells us about Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support, an organisation Reb…

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Vivienne Parry, Alice Tuff-Lacey, Dalia Kasperaviciute and Kerry Leeson Bevers: What can we learn from the Generation Study? 34:03

6M ago34:03

34:03

As of February 2025, the Generation Study has recruited over 3,000 participants. In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore what we have learnt so far from running the study and how it continues to evolve in response to emerging challenges. The conversation delves into key lessons from early recruitment, the challenges of ensuring diverse repr…

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S4 E5 - Embedding Genomics into Nursing & Midwifery in the South East with Dr Tootie Bueser 26:00

7M ago26:00

26:00

In this episode of The Road to Genome, Dr Tootie Bueser Director of Nursing & Midwifery in the South East GMS, talks to us about her work embedding Genomics into Nursing & Midwifery practice across the south east, from Brighton to the South of London. In Tootie's other role as NIHR Senior Clinical Practitioner Researcher, we also learn about Tootie…

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Interview with Dr. Ben Kleinstiver: Genome editing and healthcare 24:54

7M ago24:54

24:54

Dr. Ben Kleinstiver, whose lab is located at the Center for Genomic Medicine at Mass General Hospital, joins us to talk about programmable nucleases, genome editing, and the applications of this technology in the future of healthcare.By New England Biolabs

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Dr Ana Lisa Tavares, Anne Lennox, Dr Meriel McEntagart, Dr Carlo Rinaldi: Can patient collaboration shape the future of therapies for rare conditions? 46:08

7M ago46:08

46:08

Rare condition research is evolving, and patient communities are driving the breakthrough. In this special Rare Disease Day episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of rare condition therapies. From groundbreaking gene therapy trials to the power of patient-driven research, our guests discuss how collaboration between…

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S4 E4 - Specialist Midwives Beth Evans & Nicola Young - Monogenic Diabetes and the Pregnancy Pathway 35:48

7M ago35:48

35:48

In this episode of The Road to Genome, Helen has two guests on the other side of the mic! Beth Evans and Nicola Young explain what Monogenic Diabetes is, and why it is so crucial (and tricky) to catch in pregnant people. Beth and Nicola show us the power of the right diagnosis at the right time, not only for patients, but their children and familie…

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Dr Gavin Arno, Kate Arkell, Bhavini Makwana and Naimah Callachand: Can genomic research close the diagnostic gap in inherited sight loss? 29:47

7M ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, our guests explore the impact of genetic discoveries on inherited retinal dystrophies, in particular retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The discussion highlights a recent study that identified two non-coding genetic variants linked to RP, predominantly in individuals of South Asian and African ancestry. The conversation highlights how adva…

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S4 E3 - The Future of Genomics, Genomics England Chief Medical Officer Ellen Thomas 27:44

8M ago27:44

27:44

In this episode, Helen talks to Genomics England's Chief Medical Officer Ellen Thomas, discussing her career path to date, and her role in helping to shape the direction of travel for Genomics. We also hear more about the Generation Study, and where we're heading.By NHS Genomic Medicine Service

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Interview with Passion in Science Winners 2024: Arts and Creativity Awardees 21:52

8M ago21:52

21:52

The three Passion in Science Award winners in the Category of Arts and Creativity joined us in the studio to talk about their art and what initiated its creation. Sam Siljee shares his soundscapes, Sally Kong describes her weaving patterns, and Michael Weiner his details his uniquely scientific large-scale portraits.…

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Dr Natalie Banner, Dr Raghib Ali, Professor Naomi Allen, Dr Andrea Ramírez: How can we unlock the potential of large-scale health datasets? 37:53

8M ago37:53

37:53

In this episode, our guests discuss the potential of large-scale health datasets to transform research and improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Our guests also delve into the ethical, logistical, and technical challenges that come with these programmes. We hear how organisations such as UK Biobank, Our Future Health, and All of Us are c…

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S4 E2 - Inspiring Care & Driving Change - NHS England's Lead Midwife, Donna Kirwan 51:39

8M ago51:39

51:39

Episode 2 of Series 4 features a powerful talk with Donna Kirwan who's the Lead Midwife for Genomics, on NHS England's Nursing & Midwifery Genomics Team. Donna's career has taken her to many places, on both sides of the Atlantic, through many roles. Through them all she has inspired and driven change, always with the welfare of pregnant people and …

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John Pullinger: What is the diagnostic odyssey? 4:59

8M ago4:59

4:59

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked John Pullinger, Senior Bio Sample Operations Manager at Genomics England, to explain what it means to go on a diagnostic odyssey. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any ot…

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Jillian Hastings Ward, Dr Karen Low and Lindsay Randall: How can parental insights transform care for rare genetic conditions? 29:26

8M ago29:26

29:26

The Genetic Rare Syndromes Observational Cohort (GenROC) study aims to improve our understanding of how rare genetic conditions affect the way children grow, their physical health and their development. Through actively involving parents as experts in their child's condition, the study seeks to gather valuable insights and ensure that family experi…

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S4 E1 - Fragile X, Rapping, and making genomics accessible with Professor Julian Barwell 47:35

9M ago47:35

47:35

We're back for Series 4 of The Road to Genome! Kicking things off with a cracking talk to The Rapping Consultant, Clinical Geneticist Professor Julian Barwell. Julian talks to us about his career and work in Cancer Genomics, Fragile X, and the work he has done to make genomics accessible and engaging for all.…

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Episode 64: Interview with Nathan Tanner: Enzymes for Innovation 12:54

9M ago12:54

12:54

In this podcast, New England Biolabs Associate Director of Research, Nathan Tanner explains the portfolio of NEB products called Enzymes for Innovation.By New England Biolabs

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Dr Rich Scott and Adam Clatworthy: Reflecting on 2024 - A year of change and discovery 48:52

9M ago48:52

48:52

As 2024 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy year at Genomics England and in the wider genomics community. Throughout the year, guests have joined us to discuss groundbreaking research discoveries, important ethical considerations, and share their personal stories. It was also a year of transformation: we rebranded …

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Looking Back Over the Year 16:25

9M ago16:25

16:25

Send us a text IN THIS EPISODE we look back at the year and review the thoughts that come to mind when we revisit some of the episodes in season 3. Each of us, as co-hosts have shared our passions and worked with several experts to hear what they are able to teach us. We have benefitted immensely and we hope this has been an amazing resource for yo…

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Katrina Stone: What happens when I go for whole genome sequencing? 4:46

10M ago4:46

4:46

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Katrina Stone, Clinical Genetics Doctor, and Clinical Fellow at Genomics England, to explain what happens when you go for whole genome sequencing for a rare condition. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If yo…

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Mel Dixon, Jo Balfour and Dr Rona Smith: How can we work with patients to drive research initiatives? 39:21

10M ago39:21

39:21

In this episode, we explore the importance of patient involvement in shaping rare condition research initiatives. Our guests discuss why it’s crucial to involve individuals with lived experiences, including patients and caregivers, in setting research agendas. In doing so, this approach ensures research can be more inclusive, efficient, and impactf…

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NHS News: GP Contract threatened; Pharmacies threatened; and whatever else 29:45

10M ago29:45

29:45

Send us a text In this edition of NHS news: The GP Partnership contract under threat The survival of high street pharmacies under threat Pharmacy First Update And more. Presented by Irina and Si Irina is a Clinical Pharmacist by background and Simon is a Paramedic by background and an Advanced Clinical Practitioner. Representing Primary Care UK, th…

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Meriel McEntagart: Are genetic conditions always inherited from parents? 6:13

10M ago6:13

6:13

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Meriel McEntagart, Clinical Geneticist in the NHS and Clinical Lead for Rare Disease Technologies at Genomics England, to explain how genetic conditions can be inherited, and other ways they may arise. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about geno…

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Helen White, Professor Ian Tomlinson, Claire Coughlan and Dr David Church: Can genetic discoveries revolutionise bowel cancer care? 34:21

10M ago34:21

34:21

In this episode, we explore findings from a groundbreaking study recently published in Nature which revealed potential targets for bowel cancer prevention and treatment. The study provides the most detailed understanding yet of bowel cancer’s genetic makeup. The research, which used data from the 100,000 Genomes Project identified over 250 genes th…

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Episode 63: Interview with Sophie Vaud: Environmentally-friendly Textile Dyeing 18:47

10M ago18:47

18:47

In this podcast, Sophie Vaud explains the environmentally friendly textile dyeing process developed by Colorifix.By New England Biolabs

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S3 E6 - Haemochromatosis & the Power of the Patient Voice 25:13

10M ago25:13

25:13

We round off Season 3 of The Road to Genome with a powerful interview with Chris Hind, Chair of the Patient & Public Voice Forum in the East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. Chris talks to Helen about his personal experience on the diagnostic journey, dealing with Haemochromatosis, Prostate Cancer testing, and the effects this can have on family …

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Navigating Trauma and Burnout in Healthcare: A New Approach 42:09

11M ago42:09

42:09

Send us a text THIS EPISODE: Primary Care UK Nurse Lead Emma Borders has a conversation with Dr Lorre Laws, a a renowned nurse scientist and trauma burnout expert. The aim is to help clinicians understand and manage this endemic problem. Dr Laws sheds light on the pressing issue of professional burnout among healthcare providers. The discussion tra…

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Adrianto Wirawan: What does 'no primary findings' mean? 3:57

11M ago3:57

3:57

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Adrianto Wirawan, Director of Bioinformatics Engineering at Genomics England, to explain what the term 'no primary findings' means. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any …

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Mathilde Leblond: What do parents want to know about the Generation Study? 11:07

11M ago11:07

11:07

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Mathilde Leblond, Senior Design Researcher for the Generation Study at Genomics England, to answer some frequently asked questions that we received from parents who we engaged with for the design of the study. You can hear more information about Generation Study via the study's official website and in our prev…

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S3 E5 - Amanda Pichini's journey to Clinical Director for Genomics England 42:48

11M ago42:48

42:48

In this episode, we come to you from Genomics England HQ in Canary Wharf, as Helen talks to Amanda Pichini, Clinical Director for Genomics England, and Genomic Counsellor. Amanda chats about her career journey so far, her work with Genomics England and the importance of Genetic Counselling. We also hear about exciting future projects that are comin…

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Effective Supervision in Primary Care 37:47

11M ago37:47

37:47

Send us a text THIS EPISODE is about providing effective supervision in Primary Care. The role of supervisors and the provision of high-quality supervision needs to be given attention now because: There have been a whole multitude of new roles in Primary Care in the last few years, and most, if not all, require supervision The training path for tho…

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Callum Morris: What happens in a clinical trial? 8:26

11M ago8:26

8:26

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Callum Morris, Pharmaceutical Research and Development Insights Manager at Genomics England, to explain what happens in a clinical trial. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or hav…

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Nicole Chai: How does X-linked inheritance work? 3:25

11M ago3:25

3:25

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Nicole Chai, Research and Development Bioinformatician at Genomics England, to explain what X-linked inheritance is. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics yo…

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S3 E4 - Building Support, Finding Stability, and Hitting the Inchstones. CRELD1 - pt2 38:22

11M ago38:22

38:22

This week we're back once again with Adam Clatworthy, from the heart of Guys Hospital, London, supported by the South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. In part 2 of Adam's journey, Helen talks to Adam C about his family's diagnostic odyssey that eventually saw 2 of his children diagnosed with the rare disease, CRELD1. We learn more about the …