More than 100 researchers from the UK, Europe, and the US came together at St Martins House, Leicester, on 4–5 November for the second Respiratory Genomics Conference, hosted by the University of Leicester and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
Organised by Dr Catherine John and Professor Martin Tobin from the NIHR Leicester BRC’s Data and Multi-Long-Term Conditions (MLTCs) Theme, the conference brought together leading voices in respiratory genetics and genomics to share discoveries and strengthen collaborations across disciplines.
Opening the event, Professor Jacqui Shaw reflected on Leicester’s pioneering history in genetics: from Sir Alec Jeffreys’ discovery of DNA fingerprinting to the identification of King Richard III’s remains and its growing international reputation in respiratory research.
Across two days of sessions chaired by Professors Ian Hall and Martin Tobin, delegates explored advances in lung genetics, disease mechanisms, and global health equity. Highlights included keynote talks from Professors Erik Melén (Karolinska Institute), Darrell Kotton (Boston University), and Francesca Polverino (Baylor College of Medicine).
The conference also shone a spotlight on early-career researchers through lively poster sessions and prize presentations. Awards went to Tessa Gillett (University Medical Center Groningen) for best oral presentation, Ritah Nabunje (University of Leicester) for best abstract, and Holly Pedley (University of Nottingham) as runner-up.
Professor Kotton praised the event’s “inspiring discussions and impressive early-career presentations,” while sponsors Olink commended its international reach and “wonderful spirit of collaboration”.
Find out more about the Data and Multi-Long-Term Conditions Theme.