Genomics Lite: How is AI used in bioscience?
Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explored what AI is and how it is being used on the Wellcome Genome Campus, a large bioscience research organisation.
In this Genomics Lite session, Sam and Jack speak to staff from the Wellcome Genome Campus about how they are starting to use AI in their work. We will discuss what AI is and hear how staff are beginning to explore some small ways that they can use this technology to help advance genomics research.
About our speakers:
Dr. Priyanka Surana, Senior Scientific Manager, Wellcome Sanger Institute
I am the Senior Scientific Manager of the Biodata Developers’ (BioDev) Network coordinated by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where I lead efforts to foster global collaboration and innovation in bioinformatics, AI, and software development. My focus is on building diverse, inclusive communities and driving impactful science through mentorship programs, hackathons, and training initiatives. With a background in bioinformatics, I transitioned from research to leadership roles, combining my expertise in project management and community building to advance biosciences. I am also the Chair of the Gender Equity Network on campus, working to create equitable opportunities for women in STEM. Through the BioDev Network, I aim to expand our reach globally, forge new partnerships, and deliver innovative educational programs that empower the next generation of scientific innovators.
Dr. Antonio Marinho, Senior Bioinformatician, Wellcome Sanger Institute
Antonio has a PhD. in Applied Physics from Sao Paulo University and is a Senior Bioinformatician of the Data Analysis and Engineering Team of the Genomic Surveillance Unit. Currently, his main responsibilities include the development and automation of genomic data processing/analysis pipelines and he have a special interest in technologies to build scalable bioinformatics pipelines capabilities and AI applications to solve biological related problems.
Dr. Eric Hidari, Senior Software Engineer, Wellcome Sanger Institute
Eric is a senior software engineer in the Human Genetics Informatics team at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. His work involves managing a centralised software installation platform on the Sanger High Performance Computing facility. By providing such a solution, scientists in Sanger can create stable software environments that can be discovered and shared with others. These multi-user, cross-platform environments can consist of any software and aid in reproducible research by ensuring anyone can always return to the exact set of software (the same versions, including the same versions of all dependencies) as used previously. Eric has also been involved in developing a genomic data transfer platform between Sanger and research partners across the globe, as part of the MalariaGen project within the Genome Surveillance Unit. Prior to joining Sanger, he earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge working on neurodegenerative diseases.