We are Genomics England and our vision is to create a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Introducing our refreshed podcast identity: Behind the Genes, previously known as The G Word. Join us every fortnight, where we cover everything from the latest in cutting-edge research to real-life stories from those affected by rare conditions and cancer. With thoughtful conversations, we take you behind the science. You can also tune in to our Genomics 101 explainer series which breaks down complex terms in under 10 minutes.
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
"I would like genomics to be more spoken about. There's still a concern that genomics is going to be used to get rid of certain types of disorders, but it has an enormous potential to make everyone's lives better. Understanding genomics is a really important thing."
Driven by his infant daughter's rare form of epilepsy, Charlie established an international collaboration to investigate with new technology how genetics might be affecting her and other children with severe epilepsy.
Charlie Steward is a passionate patient advocate thanks to where life has led him and his family - starting as an academic researcher in genomics and then, after his children were born, becoming a Patient Advocacy and Engagement Lead at Congenica, ideally putting him in a position to bridge the gap between research and patients.
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
"Giving people the confidence and capabilities to use data to find insights that can then improve lives is absolutely central to what we need to do over the years to come."
Chris spoke to Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, at the end of 2020, reflecting on the UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic so far and discussing how data - used appropriately and correctly - is the key to improving mainstream healthcare and, ultimately, people's daily lives.
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
"What is a good deal for both sides? This isn't about science taking from people. This is about science genuinely offering a partnership."
How do we engage people in science and trickier subjects like genomics?
Professor Anna Middleton is a social scientist and genetic counsellor.
In this episode, Chris and Anna explore ways to springboard genomics into people's awareness and engaging in a two-way conversation about it, especially when genomics might already be part of their lives in ways they don't realise.
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
"Since the beginning of the outbreak, we've had literally hundreds of drugs on the table available to us that will target the immune system, to try to stop lung damage and COVID. And really, very little hard evidence on which to base the decision about which one to use next, and genetics really does lead us."
Doing one of the most important jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Kenneth Baillie is not only looking after patients in intensive care, but also looking at why some people are having such severe reactions to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In this episode, Chris and Kenny cover how he made the jump from studying the effects of going up mountains on the human body, to helping critically ill people and their families at the most difficult times in their lives.
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
"Eventually, it'll be pervasive and we won't even use the term 'genomic medicine' because it will be medicine."
Dr Eric Topol, Director and Founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, is one of science’s most innovative thinkers, a leading physician, and author of The Topol Review. In our first episode, Chris and Eric talk about the evolution of genomics, the importance of patients being at the heart of decision-making, and how they deserve to be given better insights about their healthcare.
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Join Chris Wigley, CEO of Genomics England, for discussions about all things genomics.