2025 Genomics in Action Brings Together Students, Industry and Academic Leaders
The Jan. 29-31 Knight Campus conference offers scientists and trainees opportunities to network and exchange knowledge across research and industry.
Genomics in Action returns Jan. 29-31 for a busy schedule of presentations, workshops, discussions, poster sessions, networking and professional development opportunities. The annual flagship event of the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program (KCGIP)’s Bioinformatics and Genomics track, the free conference brings together leaders from industry and academia and showcases cutting-edge bioinformatics and data science approaches while fostering discussions about internship opportunities with master’s students.
Now in its 11th year, Genomics in Action attracts about 200 attendees, including members of the greater UO scientific community, who are there to attend presentations by industry partners and connect with fellow scientists, students and industry leaders from across the country.
“Our students get the chance to network with alumni and connect with potential mentors and employers while showcasing their bioinformatics training,” said Leslie Coonrod, the director of the KCGIP Bioinformatics and Genomics Track. “For our alumni, industry partners and scientists in our community, it provides opportunities to come together, share common methodologies, learn about new approaches and compete for top intern talent.”
KCGIP students seek to answer high impact biological questions using the power of computers and algorithms as they pursue fall and winter research projects. Scientific posters inspired by those projects will be on display during sessions scheduled for the afternoons of Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31, providing students with opportunities to polish their presentation skills and engage with industry partners across various fields.
Genomics in Action is a strong draw for past graduates of the program. Each year, KCGIP alumni return to share insights about their industries, meet current students, and network. This year’s event features an alumni session and a panel discussion for prospective students on Friday, Jan. 31.
Alumni return to Genomics in Action, sometimes as new program partners to recruit their own interns. It is very rewarding to watch them grow into their scientific careers. Our alumni contribute to an extended network of training and support, and they have an impressive impact on the scientific literature” said Stacey Wagner, assistant vice president for master’s programs at the Knight Campus.
The KCGIP has a 25-plus year track record of successfully helping students transition to rewarding careers as scientists and engineers and offers multiple tracks for master students, in addition to Bioinformatics and Genomics. These programs offer an accelerated master’s program with paid industry internships through its extensive network of partners. It boasts a 98% graduation rate and most students completing their degrees within 15 to 18 months, and 90% of graduates secure employment within three months of finishing their internships.
Wagner says the KCGIP, which has a strong and ever-growing alumni network and a long list of industry partners, has come a long way. The same could be said of Genomics in Action — which began as a much smaller gathering that has evolved to keep in sync with the ever-changing biotechnology industries.
“We could not have predicted the enthusiasm for this program. It would not be possible without the passion and talent of our alumni” Wagner said.
The in-person registration deadline for Genomics in Action has passed, but remote participation is still available. Interested attendees can register by Jan. 24. The full schedule of events is available here.
