Home Podcasts Behind the Genes
Behind the Genes

Behind the Genes

Genomics England 100 Episodes Sep 16, 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 equity in healthcare?
What is equity in healthcare? Sep 16, 2026 677 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 2197 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 500 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 1861 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 575 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 2180 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 608 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 2014 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
What does a midwife do?
What does a midwife do? May 13, 2026 350 In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Kate Stanbury, research midwife on the Generation Study, to tell us more about the vital role that midwives play. 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@genomi
How is genomic research being guided by patient and participant voices?
How is genomic research being guided by patient and participant voices? Apr 29, 2026 2161 In this episode, we celebrate 10 years of the Participant Panel and explore how genomic research is being guided by patient and participant voices.  Made up of people who have consented for their genome, or the genome of their loved one, to be included in the National Genomics Research Library, the Panel plays a vital role in shaping how research is designed, how data is used, and how genomics is
What is the Participant Panel at Genomics England?
What is the Participant Panel at Genomics England? Apr 15, 2026 607 In this explainer episode, we’ve asked Lisa Beaton, Panel Member and Parent Representative for SWAN UK, to tell us about the Participant Panel. 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
What if a treatment created for one person could transform care for thousands?
What if a treatment created for one person could transform care for thousands? Mar 25, 2026 1629 In this episode, we explore how individualised medicines are evolving from “n=1” treatments (a treatment effective for a single individual) into approaches that could transform care for many people living with rare conditions.  Advances in genomic medicine are making it possible to design highly targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic information. While these therapies may begin as be

Recommended