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Behind the Genes

Behind the Genes

Genomics England 100 episodes Nov 11, 2026

Behind the Genes is a podcast from Genomics England that explores genomic healthcare. It features deep-dive episodes on the latest research and the lived experiences of people affected by rare conditions and cancer, alongside a Genomics 101 series that explains complex genetics terms in simple language.

Episodes

What is pharmacogenomics?
What is pharmacogenomics? Nov 11, 2026 8:39 In this explainer episode, Dr Jude Hayward, GP and Principal Clinician for Primary Care at Genomics England, explains what we mean by pharmacogenomics. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomic
Can we change the rules of medicine?
Can we change the rules of medicine? Oct 28, 2026 30:22 Advances in genomics are making it possible to develop treatments for individual patients with rare genetic conditions. But how can we get these treatments to the people who need them when traditional medicine development is designed for much larger groups of patients?  In this episode, our guests explore the challenges of developing and approving personalised medicines, and how researchers, regul
How do we keep medicines safe and working properly?
How do we keep medicines safe and working properly? Oct 14, 2026 12:19 In this explainer episode, Rachel Brucoli, Deputy Director at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, explains how we make sure that medicines stay safe and work properly.  You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to e
How are we serving Black communities in health research?
How are we serving Black communities in health research? Sep 30, 2026 33:04 In this episode of Behind the Genes, we explore Black communities and health research. Our guests discuss why some people feel research is not intended for them, how historical mistrust affects participation, and what needs to change to make research more inclusive, transparent and beneficial for everyone.  Our host, Sharon Jones, is joined by:  Professor Segun Fatumo - Professor and Chair of Gen
What is equity in healthcare?
What is equity in healthcare? Sep 16, 2026 11:17 In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Sasha Henriques, Director of Equity Assurance at Genomics England, to explain what we mean by the word equity in healthcare and genomics. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, let u
What if a vaccine could help treat cancer?
What if a vaccine could help treat cancer? Aug 26, 2026 36:37 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 precise.  Our host, Florence Cornish is joined by:  Dr Victoria Goss, Associate Professor of Early Diagnosis and Translational Research at Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and head of the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Cancer Vaccine
What are cancer vaccines?
What are cancer vaccines? Aug 12, 2026 8:20 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 can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, let us know on p
What happens after a new rare genetic condition is discovered?
What happens after a new rare genetic condition is discovered? Jul 29, 2026 31:01 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 neurodevelopmental condition affecting thousands of people worldwide. The discovery marked the beginning of a new chapter for families searching for answers and opened up exciting new avenues for research.  In this episode, host Sha
What is genomics?
What is genomics? Jul 15, 2026 9:35 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 explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, let us know on podcast@genomicsengland.co.uk. You can downl
Could taking aspirin halve the risk of bowel cancer?
Could taking aspirin halve the risk of bowel cancer? Jun 24, 2026 36:20 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 developing certain cancers.   In this episode, we explore the findings from the landmark CaPP3 trial, hear from a participant living with Lynch syndrome, and discuss how genomics could help shift healthcare from treatment to preventi
How can genomics help us understand rare conditions?
How can genomics help us understand rare conditions? Jun 10, 2026 10:08 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 conditions. You can also find a series of short videos explaining some of the common terms you might encounter about genomics on our YouTube channel. If you’ve got any questions, or have any other topics you’d like us to explain, let us
How is research changing the role of midwives in maternity care?
How is research changing the role of midwives in maternity care? May 27, 2026 33:34 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 guests explore the many different roles midwives play across healthcare, from clinical care and safety improvement to research and genomics.  The conversation looks at how midwives are helping shape the future of maternity care thr

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