Behind the Genes

What if a vaccine could help treat cancer?

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 precis

What are cancer vaccines?

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

What happens after a new rare genetic condition is discovered?

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 n

What is genomics?

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 exp

Could taking aspirin halve the risk of bowel cancer?

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 dev

How can genomics help us understand rare conditions?

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 condit

How is research changing the role of midwives in maternity care?

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

What does a midwife do?

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 fin

How is genomic research being guided by patient and participant voices?

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 wh

What is the Participant Panel at Genomics England?

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 serie

What if a treatment created for one person could transform care for thousands?

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 tra

What is de-identified data?

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

Can blood cancer be inherited?

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

What is informed consent?

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 ser

What Does the Diagnostic Odyssey Really Mean for Families?

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

Reflecting on 2025 - Collaborating for the future of genomic healthcare

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

How can genomics help us understand cancer?

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 geno

What is a genetic counsellor?

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 als

What is the Genomics England Research Environment?

In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Dr Emily Perry, research engagement manager at Genomics England, to explain what the Genomics England Research Environment is. You

How are families and hospitals bringing the Generation Study to life?

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