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PODCAST

Behind the Genes

Genomics England

At Genomics England, our vision is a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. From the latest research to the lived experiences of those affected by rare conditions and cancer, Behind the Genes brings you closer to the people behind the science. Each month, we release a deep-dive episode, alongside our Genomics 101 series - short explainers designed to make complex terms in genetics and genomics easier to understand.

science life sciences

All Episodes

33:04

How are we serving Black communities in health research?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/09/30

In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore Black communities and health research. Our guests discuss why some people feel research is not intended for them, how historical mistrust affects participation, and what needs to change to make research more inclusive, transparent and beneficial for everyone. Our host, Sharon Jones, is joined by: Professor Segun Fatumo - Professor and Chair of Genomic Diversity at Queen Mary's Hospital Christella Matoko - Project manager at Genomics

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11:17

What is equity in healthcare?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/09/16

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Sasha Henriques, Director of Equity Assurance at Genomics England, to explain what we mean by the word equity in healthcare and genomics.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence:

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36:37

What if a vaccine could help treat cancer?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/08/26

In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore how personalised cancer vaccines are being developed, and how genomics and AI could help make these treatments more precise. Our host, Florence Cornish is joined by: Dr Victoria Goss, Associate Professor of Early Diagnosis and Translational Research at Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and head of the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Cancer Vaccine Launchpad team Professor Lennard Lee, Associate professor at the University of Oxford, Consultant

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8:20

What are cancer vaccines?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/08/12

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Dr Antonio D'Alessio, Medical Oncologist at Guys and St Thomas Foundation Trust, to explain cancer vaccines and how they work.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence: What are

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31:01

What happens after a new rare genetic condition is...

Behind the Genes ·

2026/07/29

Two years after researchers identified ReNU syndrome, where are we now? In 2024, two independent research teams identified the genetic cause of ReNU syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition affecting thousands of people worldwide. The discovery marked the beginning of a new chapter for families searching for answers and opened up exciting new avenues for research. In this episode, host Sharon Jones revisits the story to explore what has happened since that breakthrough. She is joined

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9:35

What is genomics?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/07/15

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Ella Davyson, Genomics Data Scientist, to explain the meaning of the term genomics.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. [00:00:00] Florence: What is genomics? My name is Florence Cornish,

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36:20

Could taking aspirin halve the risk of bowel cancer?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/06/24

A daily low dose of aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the likelihood of developing certain cancers. In this episode, we explore the findings from the landmark CaPP3 trial, hear from a participant living with Lynch syndrome, and discuss how genomics could help shift healthcare from treatment to prevention. Our host, Sharon Jones is joined by: Dr Katie Snape, Principal Clinician for Population Health at

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10:08

How can genomics help us understand rare conditions?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/06/10

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Jamie Ellingford, Lead Genomic Data Scientist for Rare Disease, to explain how genomics is helping us better understand rare conditions.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it

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33:34

How is research changing the role of midwives in...

Behind the Genes ·

2026/05/27

When people think of midwives, they often think about pregnancy and birth, but the reality of modern midwifery is far broader. In this episode of Behind the Genes, our guests explore the many different roles midwives play across healthcare, from clinical care and safety improvement to research and genomics. The conversation looks at how midwives are helping shape the future of maternity care through research, supporting families to make informed decisions about genomic testing, and contributing to

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5:50

What does a midwife do?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/05/13

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Kate Stanbury, research midwife on the Generation Study, to tell us more about the vital role that midwives play.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence: What does a midwife do? My

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36:01

How is genomic research being guided by patient and...

Behind the Genes ·

2026/04/29

In this episode, we celebrate 10 years of the Participant Panel and explore how genomic research is being guided by patient and participant voices. Made up of people who have consented for their genome, or the genome of their loved one, to be included in the National Genomics Research Library, the Panel plays a vital role in shaping how research is designed, how data is used, and how genomics is communicated. From influencing policy discussions to to advising the Genomics England board, their work

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10:07

What is the Participant Panel at Genomics England?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/04/15

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Lisa Beaton, Panel Member and Parent Representative for SWAN UK, to tell us about the Participant Panel.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence: What is the Participant Panel at

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27:09

Ana Lisa Tavares and Mel Dixon: What if a treatment...

Behind the Genes ·

2026/03/25

In this episode, we explore how individualised medicines are evolving from “n=1” treatments (a treatment effective for a single individual) into approaches that could transform care for many people living with rare conditions. Advances in genomic medicine are making it possible to design highly targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic information. While these therapies may begin as bespoke solutions for a single patient, they can often be adapted, refined or reused to benefit others

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6:39

Georgia Chan: What is de-identified data?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/03/18

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Georgia Chan, Senior Data Wrangler at Genomics England, to explain what de-identified data 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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence: What do we mean by de-identified data? My

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37:10

Amanda Pichini, Dr Katie Snape, Bev Speight, and Dr...

Behind the Genes ·

2026/02/25

Blood cancers are the fifth most common group of cancers in the UK. But for a small number of people, the condition may have an inherited genetic cause. In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore the role of genetics in blood cancer, and what an inherited risk means for patients and their families. Our guests explain what blood cancer is, how inherited factors can increase risk, and why multidisciplinary teamwork is key to supporting families. They also look ahead to future advances, from

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8:07

Réka Novotta: What is informed consent?

Behind the Genes ·

2026/02/11

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Réka Novotta, Research Ethics Operations Manager at Genomics England, to explain what informed consent 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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence: What do we mean by informed

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27:24

Adam Clatworthy, Emma Baple, Jo Wright, Lisa Beaton...

Behind the Genes ·

2026/01/28

In this special episode, recorded live at the 2025 Genomics England Research Summit, host Adam Clatworthy is joined by parents, clinicians and researchers to explore the long, uncertain and often emotional journey to a genetic diagnosis. Together, they go behind the science to share what it means to live with uncertainty, how results like variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are experienced by families, and why communication and support matter just as much as genomic testing and research.The

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27:01

Sharon Jones and Dr Rich Scott: Reflecting on 2025 -...

Behind the Genes ·

2025/12/31

In this special end-of-year episode of Behind the Genes, host Sharon Jones is joined by Dr Rich Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Genomics England, to reflect on the past year at Genomics England, and to look ahead to what the future holds. Together, they revisit standout conversations from across the year, exploring how genomics is increasingly embedded in national health strategy, from the NHS 10-Year Health Plan to the government’s ambitions for the UK life sciences sector. Rich reflects on the

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9:17

Dr Katie Snape: How can genomics help us understand...

Behind the Genes ·

2025/12/17

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Dr Katie Snape, principal clinician at Genomics England, cancer geneticist, and specialist in inherited cancer, to explain how genomics can help us understand cancer.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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or

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8:02

Amanda Pichini: What is a genetic counsellor?

Behind the Genes ·

2025/11/12

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Amanda Pichini, clinical director at Genomics England and genetic counsellor, to explain what a genetic counsellor 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 you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can download the transcript or read it below. Florence: What is a genetic

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160 results

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