Wellcome Genome Campus (Hinxton, UK)

July 27-31, 2025

Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics

Founded in 2011 to honor the pioneering Finnish geneticist Leena Peltonen (1952–2010), this summer school offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn and be inspired from the leading voices in human genomics.

Application deadline: 7th of March 2025

Apply Now

About Leena Peltonen School

Founded in 2011 to honor the pioneering Finnish geneticist Leena Peltonen (1952–2010), this summer school offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn and be inspired from the leading voices in human genomics. Students will gain insights and inspiration from top scientists across academia and industry who are actively advancing the field. Many past attendees have since become leaders at the forefront of this research.

This is an exciting era in human genetics and genomics. We’re moving from cataloging genetic variation to uncovering fundamental biological mechanisms and translating them into clinical applications. The program covers a diverse range of topics, including the genomics of rare and complex diseases, gene regulation, and functional analysis. Sessions will also delve into the latest advances in AI applications for genetics, global biobank studies, and personalized medicine. Industry leaders will share their perspectives on how human genetics is revolutionizing target discovery and clinical trial design.
The program is highly interactive, featuring presentations by both tutors and students. More than a traditional course, this is a ‘science summer camp’ for advanced students, where lively discussions and debates explore the future of genomics. A unique feature is the personalized one-on-one mentoring where participants receive advice on publishing, research strategies, and career development for both academic and industry paths. These individual one-on-ones, combined with extensive face-to-face interactions throughout the program, create a rich learning environment that fosters meaningful connections and career growth.

The Leena Peltonen School is designed for scientists and clinican-scientists nearing the completion of or have just completed their PhD. To foster meaningful discussions and connections, enrollment is capped at 20 students.

Tutors

Meet The Tutors

Alejandra Medina-Rivera

Associate Professor, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

  • México
Andrea Ganna

Associate Professor, FIMM, University of Helsinki

  • Finland
Beryl Cummings

Head of Genetics, Marea Therapeutics

  • USA
Bogdan Pasaniuc

Professor, University of Pennsylvania

  • USA
Cecilia Lindgren

Professor, University of Oxford

  • UK
Craig Glastonbury

Research Group Leader, Human Technopole

  • Italy
Daniel MacArthur

Professor, Garvan Institute of Medical Research

  • Australia
Gosia Trynka

Group Leader, Wellcome Sanger Institute

  • UK
Hilary Martin

Group Leader, Wellcome Sanger Institute

  • UK
Jacques Fellay

Associate Professor, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

  • Switzerland
Mark McCarthy

Executive Director Human Genetics, Genentech

  • USA
Mashaal Sohail

Associate Professor, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

  • México
Matthew R. Nelson

Vice President, Deerfield Management

  • USA
Melina Claussnitzer

Associate professor, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School

  • USA
Michelle Trenkmann

Senior Editor, Springer Nature

  • Germany
Nancy J. Cox

Professor, Vanderbilt University

  • USA
Nicky Whiffin

Associate Professor, University of Oxford

  • UK
Alexander Sasha Gusev

Associate Professor, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

  • USA
Tuuli Lappalainen

Professor, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

  • Sweden
Zoltan Kutalik

Associate Professor, University of Lausanne

  • Switzerland

Programme

The summer school will start on Sunday, July 27 and close on Thursday, July 31, 2025. This is a residential course. All students will stay onsite for the full duration to benefit fully from discussions and interactions with the faculty and other participants.
Accommodation:
This is a residential summer school. All participants will stay at The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge, for the nights of 27, 28, 29 and 30 July 2025.
Topics will include:
  • Statistical and population genetics
  • Population-scale single-cell studies
  • Gene regulation
  • Functional characterization of GWAS variants
  • Genetics for drug development
  • Rare diseases in the coding and non-coding genome
  • Biobank-based research and personalized medicine
  • Publishing and peer review
  • AI for images, electronic health records and genomics
Please note: the final programme is built around the research interests of the students accepted onto the summer school.

How To Apply

Applications

Places on this summer school are limited to 20 students and will be awarded on merit. The student will need to cover the transportation to the location. The program will provide accommodation and meals.

Target Audience

Scientists and clinicians nearing the completion of their PhD, or those recently graduated, in human genetics, genomics, health-focused AI, and precision medicine. The selection process will take place in Spring 2025.

Travel Fellowship

Travel fellowships will be awarded to a limited number of participants from LMIC (or justified financial needs).
Apply Now
Reviews

Feedback From Previous Students

In general, the course was amazing and provided great opportunities to network, gain new scientific insights and discuss future career plans. I found it great that there was somebody from the industry present

Student

In general, the course was amazing and provided great opportunities to network, gain new scientific insights and discuss future career plans. I found it great that there was somebody from the industry present

Student

One of the best aspects of the course is that all the tutors were always available during meals and after-hours events for questions and discussions – That was just amazing, thank you!

Student

I already recommended it to my colleagues. The course was a fantastic experience. The networking opportunities were fantastic, the discussions were plentiful and each one as interesting as the last. You get the opportunity of meeting the greatest people, you make new friends. Definitely one of the greatest experiences of my academic career.

Student

I loved the one-to-one sessions – it was great to have the opportunity to have the focussed attention of some of the world leaders in the human genomics field and be able to ask them anything we wished. As well as helpful scientific discussion, we were able to get a lot of useful career advice and insight into how they got to where they are today.

Student

The course provided a unique opportunity to meet several experts in the field of human genetics and discuss science and career-related issues with them. It was also important to be able to share experiences with many other students who are currently in the same situation and trying to figure out what to do after completing PhD degree.

Student

The tutors that participated in the course are leaders in their fields and therefore, participate in the important conferences in human genetics and genomics that are held every year…. I think that the highest value of this course was that it provides the unique opportunity to talk to the tutors about their academic career, their research interests, and their view of the future advances on the field of human genomics. It was also very inspiring learning what motivates them to do what they do, and to receive their advice regarding research in the academic context.

Student

The opportunity to interact with 20 world-leading scientists over a period of four days was absolutely invaluable. The discussions in the one-to-one meetings, over meals, drinks and coffee were both truly inspiring and thought provoking.

Student

Leena Peltonen School of Human Genomics: one of the best experiences a genetics graduate student can have.

Student
Quick Links
Contact Info
Email Address

lpshg2025@gmail.com

Location

Hinxton Hall Conference Centre

Location
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