Hands-on CRISPR Design and Safety Evaluation training school by GenE-HumDi

The COST Action for Gene Editing Treatment of Human Diseases (GenE-HumDi) is organising this first training school (TS) on 16-17 March in Granada, Spain, at the center Pfizer - Universidad de Granada - Junta de Andalucía of Genomics and Cancer Research (GENyO).

In the recent years, genome editing tools and technologies for the analysis of human genomes and transcriptomes are evolving at a pace without pair. Gene editing holds the promise to outperform traditional medicine by restoring healthy gene expression of genes otherwise helping disease to appear or to worsen. Besides, once-in-life gene editing medicine provides life-long benefits for patients and could help diseases that may not have a satisfying treatment nowadays. It is of the utmost importance that we understand and standardise design and safety assessment of gene editing tools.

The syllabus of the course has been developed by experts working in gene editing. This training school is an initiative of the GenE-HumDi network and has been organised by leading experts in gene editing translation and genotoxicity:  Dr Ayal Hendel (Bar-Ilan University, Israel), Dr Karim Benabdellah, Dr F. Javier Molina (GENyO, Spain), Dr Stefan Seeman (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), Dr Giandomenico Turchiano (University College of London, United Kingdom). It includes an introduction to gRNA design, editing evaluation by digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing for off-target detection using bioinformatic tools. The different topics will be covered by a hands-on session to complete the instruction. View the programme here.

This course is intended to improve the skills of students and early career scientists while providing an environment for personal growth and international networking. Previous experience with bioinformatic software will be valued. The course will be conducted fully in English. Active GenE-HumDi members and early career personnel under their tutelage will be prioritised.

Aiming to promote excellence and international networking, the course will take place in person following GenE-HumDi's kick-off meeting and conference. To guarantee personal dedication, a total of 12 applicants will be selected, and top applications will be considered to receive a TS incentive to help cover the attendant expenses, following the Annotated Rules of COST. GenE-HumDi will finance a total of 6 students with long travel and daily allowance expenses, according to the COST rules, with limits set by the Action to 200€ per student for long travel in addition to the corresponding daily llowance, for a maximum of 3 days.

Deadline: Participation will remain open until venue capacity is reached. However, interested applicants are encouraged to submit before 12 February, for organisation reasons.

Fill in the application form to express your interest.

Local organising committee: Dr Alessia Cavazza, Dr Ayal Hendel, Dr Karim Benabdel lah (Action Chair | [email protected]) and Dr F. Javier Molina (Science Communication Coordinator | [email protected])