JULY 2019 | ISSUE 81 SOCIETY NEWS

In this issue News is edited by Dr Lynsey Hall and items for future issues • The problem with polygenic risk scores can be sent to the editor by email to • Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Symposium - SIG in the spotlight [email protected]. • Research and travel grant reports The Newsletter is published twice a year, • Meeting announcements with copy dates of July and January.

Cover image: Past and current Presidents of the Genetics Society attending our birthday celebrations at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. From left: David Hopwood, , David Sherratt, , Veronica Van Heyningen, , , and . (Photo by Douglas Vernimmen) A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

A word from the editor Welcome to Issue 80

Welcome to the latest addition of (EGGS), held recently in the Genetics Society newsletter, Cambridge. In the Features section, and my last as editor. Since the last there is also an article addressing newsletter, the Society has been the current issues regarding the fully immersed in delivering events use of polygenic profile scores in a from its centenary programme, reproductive context. some of which are covered here. If I would also like to take the you follow us on Twitter, you may opportunity to highlight two already know that we won the silver errors which arose in Issue medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower 80 (January 2019). Firstly, we Show for our Discovery Exhibit published a Training Grant report ‘A flowering of genetics’. We also from Hannah Simpson on page had our celebratory 100th birthday 37, which should have been from bash at the John Innes Centre in Hannah Sampson. Secondly, the Norwich which included a very well- affiliation of Bethan Hill, who received lecture by Nobel Laureate submitted a Summer Studentship Sir Paul Nurse. Both of these events report, was listed on page 43 as I hope you enjoy this issue, and are covered in greater detail in the the when it all of the reports on the various Features section of the newsletter. should have been the University of research and meetings which we We continue our Sectional Interest Leicester. Apologies to both, and have been delighted to fund. Group in the spotlight series, this thanks again for your submissions Best wishes, issue focussing on the Evolutionary and bringing these errors to my Lynsey Hall Genetics and Genomics Symposium attention!

If you follow us on Twitter, you may already know that we won the silver medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for our Discovery Exhibit ‘A flowering of genetics’. We also had our celebratory 100th birthday bash at the John Innes Centre in Norwich which included a very well-received lecture by Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse.

2 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 ISSUE 81 . July 2019

For more details please contact: The Genetics Society 1 Naoroji Street London WC1X 0GB CONTENTS

Switchboard: +44 0203 793 7850 Email: [email protected] Web: www.genetics.org.uk

The Genetics Society Journals Meeting Announcements 4 Heredity Genetics Society Scientific Meetings www.nature.com/hd External Meetings Diary Editor-in-Chief: Prof Barbara Mable Heredity Editorial Office, University of Glasgow, Sectional Interest Groups 8 Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Scotland Genetics Society Business 11 and Development www.genesdev.org Honorary Secretary’s Notices Editor: Dr Terri Grodzicker Obituaries 16 Genes & Development, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 500 Sunnyside Boulevard, Woodbury, New York, 11797, USA Features 17 Committee members We need to talk about polygenic risk scores Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Symposium - SIG President Prof Laurence D. Hurst, University of Bath in the spotlight Genetics Society Centenary events Vice-Presidents – International Mendel Day at the Royal Institution Corporate Affairs – The Flower of Genetics - RHS Chelsea Flower Show Prof Malcolm Logan, King’s College London – Genetics Society Centenary Birthday Celebration External Relations Prof Colum Walsh, University of Ulster Grant Reports 27 Public Understanding of Genetics Junior Scientist Travel Reports Prof , One-off Meeting Reports Honorary Secretary Heredity Fieldwork Grant Report Dr Jonathan Pettitt, University of Aberdeen Training Grant Reports Honorary Treasurer Summer Studentship Grant Reports Prof Martin Taylor, Grant Schemes 48 Scientific Meetings Secretary Dr Marika Charalambous, King’s College London Contacting the Genetics Society 55

Newsletter Editor Dr Lynsey Hall, Cardiff University

Website Editor Dr Kay Boulton, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh

Policy Officer Prof Rebecca Oakey, King’s College London

Postgraduate Representative Ms Helena Wells, Kings College London

Ordinary Committee Members Structure, function and regulation Dr Aziz Aboobaker, University of Oxford Genomics Dr Sudhakaran Prabakaran, Cell and Develomental Genetics Prof Stefan Hoppler, University of Aberdeen Applied and Quantitative Genetics Dr Lindsey Leach, University of Dr Alastair Wilson, University of Exeter Evolutionary, ecological and population genetics Prof Jason Wolf, University of Bath Corporate Genetics and Biotechnology Dr Jim Huggett, University of Surrey and LGC Teddington Dr Alison Bentley, The National Institute of Agricultural

Design and Print Collaborate Agency www.collaborate.agency

www.genetics.org.uk . 3 CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF GENETICS IN EDINBURGH 13-15 NOVEMBER 2019 ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, QUEEN STREET, EDINBURGH EH2 1JQ Registration: www.gensoc.org.uk/event

Genome stability and instability Genetics and selection of quantitative traits The germline, sex determination and sex chromosomes SPEAKERS: Human genetic variation: from Joe Marsh molecules to populations Laura Ross Gil McVean Greg Kudla and Adrian Bird non-coding rna Anna Gloyn John Hickey Madan Babu Beth Sullivan Felicity Jones Steve Jackson Mike Rosbash Trudy MacKay Doris Bachtrog Stephen Wright Kirsten Bomblies David Baulcombe Evropi Theodoratou Severine Chambeyron Anne Ferguson-Smith

Mendel Medal: Bill Hill Balfour Lecture: Susan Johnston Mary Lyon Medal: Oliver Pybus Genetics Society Medal:

SPONSORED BY CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF GENETICS IN GENETICS SOCIETY EDINBURGH 5 SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS

13-15 NOVEMBER 2019 More detailed information and links to event websites can be found at ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, www.genetics.org.uk/events_categories/conferences/ QUEEN STREET, EDINBURGH EH2 1JQ Genetics Society Carer’s Award A Century of Genetics – Celebrating 100 Registration: www.gensoc.org.uk/event In recognition of carer’s responsibilities, an award years of genetics in Edinburgh and the of (up to) £60/day will be made available to enable Genetics Society in the UK members and selected speakers to attend Genetics Date: 13th - 15th November 2019 stability and instability Society scientific meetings and events. Awardees Location: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh can spend this money as they think will best support Registration deadline: 31st October 2019 Genetics and selection of their attendance. Applications can be made through Abstract deadline: 1st August 2019 the mysociety portal. Website: genetics.org.uk/events/100-years-genetics quantitative traits

The germline, sex determination and sex chromosomes SPEAKERS: Human genetic variation: from Joe Marsh molecules to populations Laura Ross Gil McVean Greg Kudla Epigenetics and Adrian Bird non-coding rna Anna Gloyn John Hickey Madan Babu Beth Sullivan Kim Nasmyth Felicity Jones Steve Jackson Mike Rosbash REGISTER FOR MORE GENETIC SOCIETY EVENTS AT: Trudy MacKay Doris Bachtrog www.genetics.org.uk Stephen Wright Kirsten Bomblies David Baulcombe Evropi Theodoratou Severine Chambeyron Anne Ferguson-Smith

Mendel Medal: Bill Hill Balfour Lecture: Susan Johnston Mary Lyon Medal: Oliver Pybus Genetics Society Medal: Deborah Charlesworth

SPONSORED BY

www.genetics.org.uk . 5 EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY 6

More detailed information and links to event Pearls of wisdom: synergising leadership and exper- websites can be found at www.genetics.org.uk/ tise in molluscan genomics events_categories/external-meetings/ Date: 16th - 17th September, 2019 We will happily include any announcements for Location: Kavli Royal Society Centre, Chicheley Hall, genetics-based meetings in this section. Buckinghamshire Website: royalsociety.org/science-events-and- Please send any items to [email protected] lectures/2019/09/pearls-of-wisdom/ Deadlines: Poster abstract submission - 29th July, 2019 Info: This meeting will bring together experts in and Ecology of Cancer molluscan and genomics to share best practice in Date: 17th - 19th July 2019 how to use these developments in elucidating the biology Location: Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, of this diverse and ill-understood phylum. Cambridge Website: coursesandconferences. Mechanisms and Evolution of Intergenerational wellcomegenomecampus.org/our-events/ Change evolutionecologycancer2019/ Date: 24th - 26th September, 2019 Info: This new conference aims to bring together Location: Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, cancer researchers Cambridge and cancer clinicians, highlighting that evolution and Website: coursesandconferences. ecology are fundamental to both the basic science and wellcomegenomecampus.org/our-events/mechanisms- the clinical management of cancer. and-evolution-of-intergenerational-change-2019/ Deadlines: Registration - 6th August, 2019 CRISPR and beyond – perturbations at scale to Info: The conference will bring together scientists understand working on foetal programming and developmental Date: 2nd - 4th September, 2019 origins of health and disease in humans and animals Location: Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, (with a focus on the mechanisms underlying the Cambridge developmental programming) with ecologists and Website: coursesandconferences. evolutionary biologists interested in the effects of the wellcomegenomecampus.org/our-events/crispr-and- parental environment on offspring physiology. beyond-2019/ Deadlines: Abstract submission - 9th July, 2019 Genomic Medicine 2019 Nordic Conference Info: The programme will cover approaches that Date: 13th - 14th November, 2019 modulate the genome and its context at scale, from Location: Kennedy Center, Gl. Landevej 7, 2600 Glostrup, single nucleotides and genes to hundreds of growth Copenhagen, Denmark environments. The conference will bring together Website: biotexcel.com/event/genomic-medicine-2019- biomedical researchers working on high throughput nordic/ screening, genome engineering, and/or variant effect Deadlines: Abstract submission - 11th October, 2019 interpretation. Info: Genomic Medicine Nordic Conference is an annual event organized by Biotexcel and partners. This meeting Genome Science 2019 will focus on high throughput genomic technologies with Date: 3rd - 5th September, 2019 a special focus on Next Generation Sequencing in the Location: John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh research and clinical analysis of human disease. Website: genomescience.co.uk Deadlines: Abstract submission - 15th July, 2019 Info: This conference will again bring together scientists from around the world and from all backgrounds to share ideas, innovations and advances in the rapidly evolving field of high throughput sequencing technologies and -omics data analysis.

6 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY 7

16th Asian Conference on Transcription 2nd Neuroepigenetics & Neuroepitranscriptomics Date: 1st - 4th December, 2019 Conference Location: University of Otago, St David Street, Dunedin, Date: 3rd - 6th March, 2020 New Zealand Location: Nassau, Bahamas Website: www.otago.ac.nz/actvi2019/index.html Website: www.fusion-conferences.com/conference/107 Deadlines: Abstract submission - 1st September, 2019 Deadlines: Talk submission – 24th September, 2019; Info: Cutting-edge research in genetic and epigenetic Poster submission – 7th January 2020; Registration mechanisms of gene transcription in prokaryotes deadline – 10th January, 2020 and eukaryotes, chromatin structure, cancer biology, Info: This meeting will bring together experts antimicrobial resistance, , and and pioneers in studying neuroepigenetics and genomics. epitranscriptomics to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of epigenetic and 3rd Bacterial Conference epitranscriptomic mechanisms in neural development, Date: 26th - 29th February, 2020 reprogramming and cell identity, plasticity, neuronal Location: Nassau, Bahamas function and dysfunction. Website: www.fusion-conferences.com/conference/100 Deadlines: Talk Submission – 18th September, 2019; Epigenetic Pathways and Human Disease Conference Poster submission and registration deadline – 20th Date: 30th April - 3rd May, 2020 December, 2019 Location: Chania, Crete Info: The conference will bring together presentations Website: www.fusion-conferences.com/conference/112 illustrating the application of advanced cell and Deadlines: Talk submission – 25th November, 2019; molecular biology methods to a wide range of basic Poster submission and registration deadline – 6th March, functions in bacterial cells. 2020 Info: This conference will provide a comprehensive 2nd Epigenetics Conference backdrop to the basic principles behind epigenetics Date: 28th February - 2nd March, 2019 and its relevance to disease. There will be sessions on Location: Nassau, Bahamas Chromatin, RNA and DNA regulatory pathways and Website: www.fusion-conferences.com/conference/101 a separate session on recent developments in drug Deadlines: Talk Submission – 20th September, 2019; discovery from Pharma. Poster submission and registration deadline – 20th December, 2019 Info: This meeting on “Epigenetics: from mechanisms to disease” will bring together scientists studying chromatin architecture, epigenetics, stem cell biology and cancer. The talks will cover a broad range of topics, including chromosome organisation, long-range interactions, chromatin assembly, stem cell regulation/ differentiation, RNA-based mechanisms, transcription regulation, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation.

www.genetics.org.uk . 7 SECTIONAL INTEREST GROUPS 8

The Genetics Society helps support several sectional Genetics Society Pombe Club interest groups by providing meeting sponsorship. Next meeting: No meetings currently planned We currently have 14 groups who organise sectional Organiser: Jacqueline Hayles (jacqueline.hayles@ crick.ac.uk) interest meetings with the organizers and dates of Website: genetics.org.uk/events/genetics-society- any forthcoming meetings are listed below. If you are pombe-club/ interested in any of these areas, please contact the London meetings relevant organiser. This information is also available at: Next meeting: 3rd Wednesday of the month (Francis www.genetics.org.uk/events_categories/ Crick Institute, Lincoln’s Inn Fields laboratory, sectional-interest-groups/ London) Groups who wish to be considered for sectional Organisers: Nic Tapon ([email protected]) and interest group status should contact Scientific Barry Thompson ([email protected]) Meetings Secretary, Dr Marika Charalambous (Marika. Website: lists.londonflymeeting.org/listinfo/lfm [email protected]) in the first instance. Mammalian Genes, Development and Disease Next meeting: 3rd July 2020, University of Exeter Arabidopsis Organisers: Rosalind John ([email protected]), Next meeting: 21st - 22nd April 2020, Durham Karin Malik ([email protected]), Keith Vance Organiser: Peter Etchells ([email protected]) ([email protected]), David Allard (d.allard@ Website: genetics.org.uk/events/arabidopsis/ exeter.ac.uk) Website: genetics.org.uk/events/mammalian-genes- Archaea Group development-and-disease/ Next meeting: January 2020 (St. Andrews) Organiser: Malcolm White ([email protected]); Thorsten Mammalian Genetics and Development Allers ([email protected]) Next meeting: 3rd December 2019, UCL Institute of Website: genetics.org.uk/events/archaea-group/ Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London Organisers: Nick Greene ([email protected]), British Yeast Group Andrew Copp ([email protected]), Cynthia Andoniadou Next meeting: Details to follow ([email protected]) Organisers: Janet Quinn ([email protected]), Website: ucl.ac.uk/ich/research/developmental- Simon Whitehall ([email protected]), biology-cancer/DBCmeetings/MGDW/mgw_workshop Julian Rutherford ([email protected]) Website: genetics.org.uk/events/british-yeast-group/ group Next meeting: 4-5th May 2020, College Court, C. elegans Next meeting: 16th Sept 2019, South Kensington Campus, Organiser: James Higgins ([email protected]) Imperial College London Website: www.genetics.org.uk/events/meiosis-group/ Organiser: Michalis Barkoulas (m.barkoulas@imperial. ac.uk) Population Genetics Group Website: genetics.org.uk/events/c-elegans/ Next meeting: 2nd - 5th January 2020, University of Leicester e-ACTG (Edinburgh Alliance for Complex Trait Organiser: Robert Hammond ([email protected]) Genetics) Website: populationgeneticsgroup.org.uk/ Next meeting: Incorporated into A Century Of Genetics, 13th - 15th Nov 2019, Royal College of Physicians, South-West Fly Edinburgh Next meeting: Details to follow Organisers: Chris Haley ([email protected]) and Organiser: James Hodge ([email protected]) Josephine Pemberton ([email protected]) Website: www.bristol.ac.uk/phys-pharm-neuro/ Website: www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/eactg/Edinburgh+All events/fly-meetings/ iance+for+Complex+Trait+Genetics UK Cilia Network The Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Symposium Next meeting: 28th April 2020, Edinburgh (EGGS) Organisers: Pleasantine Mill ([email protected]), Next meeting: Details to follow Martin Knight ([email protected]) Organiser: Frank Jiggins ([email protected]) Website: www.cilianetwork.org.uk Website: evolutionarygenetics.heliconius.org/eggs/

8 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 AA Genetics Genetics Society Society Workshop Workshop A Genetics Society Workshop A Genetics Society Workshop CommunicatingCommunicating Your Your Science Science 2222 - 24- 24 April April 2020, 2020, Chicheley Chicheley Hall, Hall, Chicheley, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire 22 - 24 April 2020, Chicheley Hall, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire 22 - 24 April 2020, Chicheley9 Hall, Chicheley,SECTIONAL Buckinghamshire INTEREST GROUPS     SpeakersSpeakers and and Tutors Tutors include include   Speakers and Tutors include                 EricoSpeakersErico Coen Coen and Tutors include         Erico Coen                       Erico(Author(Author Coen and and Professor Professor of of Genetics, Genetics, John John Innes Innes                   Centre,(AuthorCentre, Norwich)and Norwich) Professor of Genetics, John Innes              Centre,(Author Norwich)and Professor of Genetics, John Innes                   Centre,HelenHelen Norwich)Keen Keen          Helen(Multi-award(Multi-award Keen winning winning writer writer and and performer) performer)         Helen(Multi-award Keen winning writer and performer)   First(Multi-awardFirst Create Create winning The The Media writerMedia and performer)                (LedFirst(Led by Createby award-winning award-winning The Media writer writer and and         (LedFirst by Create award-winning The Media writer and                     (Ledboadcaster,boadcaster, by award-winning Kat Kat Arney Arney writer) ) and        boadcaster, Kat Arney)                AlisonAlison Woollard Woollard      Alisonboadcaster, Woollard Kat Arney )                Alison(2013(2013 Royal RoyalWoollard Institution Institution Christmas Christmas Lecturer Lecturer and and           (Professor2013Professor Royal of of InstitutionGenetics, Genetics, University Christmas University of Lecturer of Oxford) Oxford) and         (Professor2013 Royal of InstitutionGenetics, University Christmas of Lecturer Oxford) and                WorkshopProfessorWorkshop of Genetics,Organiser Organiser University of Oxford)            Workshop Organiser          JonathanWorkshopJonathan Pettitt Organiser Pettitt (University (University of ofAberdeen) Aberdeen)    Jonathan Pettitt (University of Aberdeen) Jonathan Pettitt (University of Aberdeen) ApplicationApplication Deadline: Deadline: 28 28 February February 2020 2020 Application Deadline: 28 February 2020 Application Deadline: 28 February 2020 ThisThis workshop workshop is is open open to to PhD PhD students students and and postdoctoral postdoctoral researchers researchers working working in in genetics genetics and and related related areas areas ThisTheThe workshop Genetics Genetics is Society openSociety to will willPhD cover coverstudents costs costs andof of travel, postdoctoraltravel, accommodation accommodation researchers and and working meals meals for infor allgenetics all successful successful and relatedapplicants applicants areas ThisThe workshop Genetics is Society open to will PhD cover students costs andof travel, postdoctoral accommodation researchers and working meals for in allgenetics successful and relatedapplicants areas The Genetics Society will cover costs of travel, accommodation and meals for all successful applicants

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www.genetics.org.uk . 9

AA Genetics Genetics Society Society Workshop Workshop CommunicatingCommunicating Your Your Science Science 2222 - 24- 24 April April 2020, 2020, Chicheley Chicheley Hall, Hall, Chicheley, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire

    SpeakersSpeakers and and Tutors Tutors include include                EricoErico Coen Coen                (Author(Author and and Professor Professor of of Genetics, Genetics, John John Innes Innes            Centre,Centre, Norwich) Norwich)              HelenHelen Keen Keen    (Multi-award(Multi-award winning winning writer writer and and performer) performer) FirstFirst Create Create The The Media Media                (Led(Led by by award-winning award-winning writer writer and and              boadcaster,boadcaster, Kat Kat Arney Arney) )          AlisonAlison Woollard Woollard            (2013(2013 Royal Royal Institution Institution Christmas Christmas Lecturer Lecturer and and      ProfessorProfessor of of Genetics, Genetics, University University of of Oxford) Oxford)              WorkshopWorkshop Organiser Organiser      JonathanJonathan Pettitt Pettitt (University (University of ofAberdeen) Aberdeen) ApplicationApplication Deadline: Deadline: 28 28 February February 2020 2020 ThisThis workshop workshop is is open open to to PhD PhD students students and and postdoctoral postdoctoral researchers researchers working working in in genetics genetics and and related related areas areas TheThe Genetics Genetics Society Society will will cover cover costs costs of of travel, travel, accommodation accommodation and and meals meals for for all all successful successful applicants applicants

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http://www.genetics.org.uk/grants/comm-your-sci/http://www.genetics.org.uk/grants/comm-your-sci/ Heredity Special IssueSpecial Collection:Issue: Evolutionary 100 Consequences Years of Genetics of Epigenetic Inheritance (based on 2017 ESEB symposium) Guest Editor: Alison Woollard,Epigenetic Department inheritance of Biochemistry, is the non-genetic University inheritance of Oxford of a modified phenotypeThis across year marks generations, the centenary and of while the UK its Genetics occurrence Society, is foundedwell 123 1 Jul 2019 Vol 123documented, No 1 amidst its the influence clash of ideas over following evolutionary the rediscovery processes of Mendel’s is debated. work Heredity www.nature.com/hdy This specialin the issue early twentiethdeals with century. the evolutionary It’s an important consequences opportunity to of reflect on our progress in understanding the nature of heredity. In The offi cial journal of the Genetics Society epigenetic inheritance and focuses broadly on the evolutionary 2017 Impact Factor: 3.872 / Rank: 31/158 Ecology / 15/49 Evolutionary Biology / 46/171 Genetics & Heredity* forces selectingthis special for issue, epigenetic we celebrate inheritance, the centenary its costs through and the importance ideas of The offi cial journal of the Genetics Society its Presidents, past and present. They weren’t given much of a brief Editor-in-Chief: Professor Barbara K. Mable Heredity promotes scientifi c excellence within the fi eld of for adaptation. Moreover, several contributions specifically highlight genetics and is committed to the rapid publication of high - just a platform to discuss their work, and that of others, their many quality primary research papers of general interest and

Volume 12 broad applicability. The journal is complemented by reviews, the effects of paternal trans-generational epigenetic inheritance, perspectives and comments covering developing areas, and joys, and their thoughts of the past and for the future. The result is

3

News and Commentary articles which keep researchers and students abreast of hot topics. a hugely enjoyable and distinctive collection of articles that poses

Number 1 which until now have received comparatively little attention. The Areas that are covered include: • Population and human genetics • Cell and development genetics Coming : Fitness contributionsmany newto this questions. special issue give an important snapshot of the • Genomics

• Evolutionary and quantitative genetics pages • Animal and plant breeding

landscapes, big data and 1–8 state of the adaptive epigenetic inheritance field, highlight its • Cytogenetics

0

This special issue celebrates the centenary of the UK Genetics

Submit your next manuscript to Heredity and benefit from: the predictability of evolutionarySociety consequences and 100 years of and Genetics, point by out featuring important nine directions articles from • Wide exposure and article visibility via nature.com • Inclusion in leading abstracting and indexing services • Automated PubMed Central deposition for original research papers evolu8on (ESEB forward.past and present Society Presidents. The articles consider topics • Rapid decision and publication times • Open Access option available for authors across a huge range, and incorporating several scales, from the • SharedIt - Springer Nature’s SharedIt content-sharing initiative allows authors and subscribers to share links to view-only, full-text articles from this journal. Learn more at: symposium 2017) springernature.com/sharedit single molecule through genome to organism, and finally population 100 years of genetics Guest Editors: Foteini Spagopoulou and Martin Lind, Department of Find out more: nature.com/hdy Guest Editors: Inês Fragata, Follow the journal on Twitter! @HeredityJournal – written by some of the finest geneticists in the world. The special

July 201 *Data is taken from the 2017 Journal Citation Reports® (Clarivate Analytics, 2018) Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Sweden 100YEARS

9 issue is completely free access until January 2020. Sebas8an Matuszewski 1919 - 2019 Heredity , pages 205–209 (2018) A58517 Volume 121 FREE ACCESS August 17-31

Introducing Genetics Unzipped – the new Genetics Society podcast

What would have happened if Mendel and Darwin archive (including full transcripts and references) had been on Twitter? Are we heading for the Zero is available at geneticsunzipped.com. We’re on all Dollar Genome? And what about that weird time in major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, history when everyone was convinced that humans Spotify and IHeartRadio, but the best way to make had 24 pairs of chromosomes? sure you never miss an episode is to subscribe for free through any good podcast app. The answers can all be found in Genetics Unzipped, our brilliant podcast packed with inter- Find Genetics Unzipped online at geneticsunzipped. views with leading researchers in the field such com, or subscribe for free through Apple Podcasts, as Mary-Claire King, George Church and Paul Stitcher, Spotify and all good podcast apps. You Nurse, along with stories from the world of genes, can email [email protected] with any genomes and DNA. Presented by Kat Arney and feedback or suggestions for future topics or guests. produced by First Create the Media, new shows And finally, please do take a moment to rate and are released every other Thursday and the entire review the show to help raise awareness.

10 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 11 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS

Honorary Secretary’s Notices Jonathan Petitt . Honorary Secretary, University of Aberdeen

Current and Upcoming Committee Vacancies Medal Nominations e are currently seeking Genetics Society Medal Wnominations for the following positions that become vacant on 1st May 2020. he Genetics Society Medal is an award that recognises Vice President for T outstanding research contributions Corporate Affairs to genetics. The Medal recipient, to replace Malcolm Logan who should still be active in research at the time the Medal is Vice President for awarded, will be elected annually External Relations by the Committee on the basis to replace Colum Walsh of nominations made by any individual member of the Society. Ordinary Committee Those making nominations must have retired from office in the past member (Genomics), be members of the Genetics Society, four years may be nominated for to replace Sudhakaran Prabakaran but there is no requirement for the award. The recipient will be the nominee to be a member, nor invited to deliver a lecture at a Ordinary Committee any restrictions on nationality or Genetics Society meeting, where the member (Evolutionary, residence. Neither current members medal will be awarded, in the year Ecological and Population of the Committee nor those who following his/her election. Genetics) to replace Frank Hailer

Ordinary Committee Call for Nominations member (Corporate Genetics Nominations are now being invited for the 2021 Genetics Society Medal. and Biotechnology) To make a nomination, please confirm that your candidate is willing to be to replace Jim Huggett nominated, then forward a two-page CV of the candidate, together with a list of their ten most important publications, plus a one-page letter of Any member in good standing is recommendation outlining why you feel their contributions to the field eligible to submit nominations for have been outstanding. these posts (including These documents must be submitted electronically to the Honorary self-nominations). Deadline for Secretary of the Genetics Society, Jonathan Pettitt, by 13th March, 2020 nominations - 8th November 2019. at: [email protected]. Nominations should be sent to Jonathan Pettitt ([email protected]).

www.genetics.org.uk . 11 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 12

Call for Nominations Mary Lyon Medal Nominations are now being invited for the 2021 Mary Lyon Medal. To his award, named after the make a nomination, please confirm Tdistinguished geneticist Mary that your candidate is willing to be Lyon FRS, was established in 2015 nominated, then forward a two-page to reward outstanding research in CV of the candidate, together with genetics to scientists who are in the a list of their ten most important middle of their research career. publications, plus a one-page letter of The Mary Lyon medal will be recommendation outlining why you awarded annually, and the winner feel their contributions to the field will be invited to present a lecture have been outstanding. at one of the Genetics Society These documents must be submitted scientific meetings. electronically to the Honorary Secretary of the Genetics Society, Jonathan Pettitt, by 13th March, 2020 at: [email protected].

Balfour Lecture Call for Nominations Nominations are now being invited for the 2021 Balfour Lecture. To he Balfour Lecture, named postdoctoral research experience make a nomination, please confirm Tafter the Genetics Society’s at the time of nomination, and that your candidate is willing to be first President, is an award to mark that any nomination must be made nominated, then forward a two-page the contributions to genetics of an with the consent of the nominee. CV of the candidate, together with outstanding young investigator. Those making nominations a list of their ten most important The Balfour Lecturer is elected must be members of the publications, plus a one-page letter of by the Society’s Committee on Genetics Society, but there is no recommendation outlining why you the basis of nominations made requirement for the nominee to feel their contributions to the field by any individual member of the be a member, nor is there any have been outstanding. Society. The only conditions are restriction on nationality or These documents must be submitted that the recipient of the award must residence. electronically to the Honorary normally have less than 10 years’ Secretary of the Genetics Society, Jonathan Pettitt, by 13th March, 2020 at: [email protected].

12 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 13

Sir Kenneth Mather Memorial Prize

he Sir Kenneth Mather The prize is awarded annually Call for Nominations TMemorial Prize of £150 and pertains to a project report, rewards a BSc, MSc or PhD dissertation or submitted Nominations for the 2018/19 award student of any UK University during the academic year in should be submitted to The Genetics or Research Institution who has question. The winner will be Society electronically via the shown outstanding performance invited to present their work, website, before November 26th, 2019. in the area of quantitative or usually the at a Genetics Society To be eligible for nomination, as a population genetics. sponsored “Pop Group” meeting. condition of their course, theses/ dissertations/project reports are required to be submitted by the student to the nominating University or Institution between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019.

Life Membership in the Genetics Society

he Genetics Society is keen to support Tmembers and those willing to continue to contribute to the field of Genetics once retired.

Have you reached the age of retirement (65), but wish to continue with your involvement in the Society? If so, and you are a full, current member of the Genetics Society, then you are eligible to become a Life Member. Life members remain eligible to vote in the Society’s AGM and continue to receive Society notices, but will not be required to pay further subscriptions.

Recipients of the Mendel Medal and the Genetics Society Medal will also be offered Life Membership. If you would like to continue your contribution and links with the Society, please contact The Genetics Society Office ([email protected]).

www.genetics.org.uk . 13 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 14

Local Ambassadors

The Local Ambassadors act as key liaisons between the membership and the Society’s Office and Committee, helping to recruit new members, publicising the Society’s scientific meetings and other activities, and providing feedback from the membership on matters of professional concern.

As an ambassador you will receive lots of support from the Genetics Society, including supplies of promotional materials and loan of pop-up banners. The Society normally appoints only one local ambassador per company, institution or department, but exceptions can be made when there are semi-autonomous sub-divisions containing a substantial number of members or potential members. As part of our plans for the Society’s Centenary Celebrations in 2019 we would like to increase the involvement of the Local Ambassador with the Society’s activities. Further details will be available in the coming months. Should you wish to volunteer The tasks of the Genetics Society • attending ad hoc national, as a Local Ambassador, or if Ambassador are not onerous and travel expenses paid, “get existing Ambassadors wish to include: togethers” to meet the update their contact details, committee and network with please contact the Honorary Recruiting new members by: other local ambassadors Secretary, Jonathan Pettitt, by • targeting new student intakes • providing feedback from the e-mail at [email protected]. • alerting your department/ membership about Genetics institution/university to Society activities deadlines for grants available • helping organise local events to researchers such as socials etc Promoting the society by: • assisting the Membership • publicise Genetics Society Secretary in keeping an meetings and other events (e.g. accurate log of which members putting up posters or by word have moved on and to where of mouth) • manning stands at relevant local events

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Local ambassador Location Institute Professor Anne Donaldson Aberdeen University of Aberdeen Dr Dylan Wyn Aberystwyth Aberystwyth University VACANT Ascot Imperial College London (Ascot and Silwood) Dr Alexander Papadopulos Bangor University of Bangor Dr Araxi Urrutia Bath University of Bath Dr Declan McKenna Belfast University of Ulster, Belfast Dr Lindsey Leach Birmingham University of Birmingham Dr Charlotte Rutledge Birmingham University of Birmingham Dr Felicity Z Watts Brighton Professor Patricia Kuwabara Bristol University of Bristol (SOMs) Dr Howard Baylis Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept of ) Dr Ian Henderson Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept of Plant Sciences) Dr Bénédicte Sanson Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept Phys, Dev, Neuro) VACANT Cambridge Sainsbury Laboratory Dr Simon Harvey Canterbury Canterbury Christ Church University Dr Timothy Bowen Cardiff University of Wales College of Medicine Dr William Davies Cardiff Cardiff University Dr Jose Gutierrez-Marcos Coventry University of Warwick VACANT Dublin University of Dublin Professor Michael JR Stark Dundee University of Dundee Professor Ian Jackson Edinburgh MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh Dr Doug Vernimmen Edinburgh Roslin Institute, Edinburgh Dr Antonio Marco Essex University of Essex Dr Sarah Flanagan Exeter University of Exeter Dr Ben Longdon Exeter University of Exeter Dr Iain Johnstone Glasgow University of Glasgow Dr Kevin O'Dell Glasgow University of Glasgow Dr Fiona Green Guildford University of Surrey Dr Paul Potter Harwell MRC Harwell Dr Cristina Ariani Hinxton Sanger Institute Dr David Lunt Hull University of Hull Professor Michael F Tuite Kent University of Kent Dr Andrew Peel Leeds University of Leeds, School of Biology Dr Ed Hollox Leicester University of Leicester Dr Peter Glen Walley Liverpool University of Liverpool Dr Craig Wilding Liverpool Liverpool John Moores University Dr Michalis Barkoulas London Imperial College London (South Kensington) Alex Blakemore London Imperial College London (Hammersmith) Professor E M C Fisher London UCL Institute of Neurology Professor Simon Hughes London King's College London Dr Yalda Jamshidi London St George's Hospital Medical School Dr Francesca Mackenzie London UCL Institute of Ophthalmology Professor Richard A Nichols London Queen Mary and Westfield College Professor Andrew Pomiankowski London UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment Dr Claire Russell London Royal Veterinary College Prof. Harald Schneider London The Natural History Museum Dr James Turner London Crick Institute Dr Emanuela Volpi London University of Westminster VACANT London Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Miss Rebecca Collier University of Manchester Dr Catherine Walton Manchester University of Manchester Dr Kirsten Wolff Newcastle University of Newcastle Dr Tracey Chapman Norwich University of East Anglia Professor Enrico Coen Norwich John Innes Institute Professor John Brookfield Nottingham University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) Dr Richard Emes Nottingham University of Nottingham (Sutton Bonnington Campus) Dr Paul Ashton Ormskirk Edge Hill University Professor Liam Dolan Oxford University of Oxford (Plant Sciences) Professor Jonathan Hodgkin Oxford University of Oxford (Biochemistry) Dr Ravinder Kanda Oxford Oxford Brookes University Professor Andrew O M Wilkie Oxford University of Oxford (John Radcliffe Hosp) Dr Mairi Knight Plymouth University of Plymouth Dr Reading University of Reading Dr Jon Slate Sheffield University of Sheffield Dr Mark Chapman Southampton University of Southampton Professor Mike Ritchie St Andrews University of St Andrews Dr Mario Vallejo-Marin Stirling University of Stirling Dr Lewis Bingle Sunderland University of Sunderland Dr Claire Morgan Swansea Swansea University Dr Sean T. Sweeney Yorkds University of York Dr Mark Chapman Southampton University of Southampton Prof. Mike Ritchie St Andrews University of St Andrews Dr Mario Vallejo-Marin Stirling University of Stirling Dr Lewis Bingle Sunderland University of Sunderland Dr Claire Morgan Swansea Swansea University Dr Sean Sweeney York University of York www.genetics.org.uk . 15 OBITUARIES 16

Gabby Dover

ollowing on from the obituary the science as experiments significance for evolutionary Fof Gabriel Dover in issue 79 dictated. He was forever keen to biology, led him to put forward last year of this newsletter, we discuss our results, and insisted some controversial hypotheses would like to express our personal on thinking through with us which he debated with vigour. debt of gratitude to Gabby who the conceptual significance That is often the way with those was our PhD or post-doctoral of our work. Through Gabby, who wish to challenge established supervisor or co-supervisor. we honed the art of posing dogmas. He was a thoughtful, Gabby was an imaginative important biological questions, colourful and caring character and original scientist, and and articulating and interpreting who left a lasting legacy in his inspirational teacher and mentor. a flow of experiments. Gabby’s scientific work and with those he He was very supportive in what enthusiasm and passion for the taught and mentored. We greatly we did and gave us plenty of molecular data emerging on miss him. intellectual space to develop genome organisation and its

William Amos, Steve Brown, Enrico Coen, Jonathan Jones, Alistair McGregor, Naomi McGregor (née Wratten), Tom Strachan, Diethard Tautz and Martin Trick.

Gabby was an imaginative and original scientist, and inspirational teacher and mentor.

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In this edition of the Newsletter, we have three feature pieces. The first feature looks at issues pertaining to the clinical utility of polygenic risk scores. The second feature is part of an extended series designed to promote each of our Sectional Interest Groups in turn, to provide our membership with a more detailed overview of what these meetings are like, and encourage attendance. This issue is focussing on the Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Symposium. In our third and final feature, we highlight some of the events that have been taking place as part of the centenary programme, in particular International Mendel Day, our 100th birthday party at the John Innes Centre and our recent success at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show!

We need to talk about polygenic risk scores Dr. Lynsey Hall

olygenic risk scores (or as I genetic variants, with two main Fast-forward 9 years from that paper, Pprefer to call them, polygenic applications in mind: prediction and I open Twitter to see an article profile scores, to avoid the notion and association. The seminal PGS in New Scientist [2] outlining how a of being at risk of non-disease paper, published in 2009 by Purcell company, Genomic Prediction, had traits such as height) were one of et al [1], took the animal genetics “developed genetic screening tests the first analyses I learned how concept of the genetic breeding that can assess complex traits, such to perform when I haphazardly value (a measure of an individual’s as the risk of some diseases and entered the world of statistical aggregate additive genetic load for low intelligence, in IVF embryos”. genetics seven years ago. Part a trait, of which approximately In other words, generating PGS of the beauty of these scores is 50% is passed on to their offspring), in embryos to aid selection. My their simplicity. Even as someone and applied it in a human genetics immediate reaction upon reading who, at that time, had no prior context by using trait-associated this was something to the tune of computing experience, a limited alleles from one cohort to test “HOLD THE PHONE, THAT DOES grasp of statistics, and a pretty for association in independent NOT SEEM LIKE A GOOD IDEA.” My rudimentary understanding cohorts. They demonstrated that objections are several fold, which I of genetics, I could follow the schizophrenia cases had a higher cover below. online tutorial and generate these mean PGS compared to controls in Firstly, put simply, PGS aren’t scores - a very satisfying feeling the replication dataset (indicating currently predictively accurate, and for a rather overwhelmed 1st year that scoring alleles identified in the are unlikely to become predictively PhD student. At that time, my discovery GWAS were significantly accurate in the near future either, understanding of these scores was, enriched among independently unless sample sizes increase by understandably, very superficial ascertained cases), and that multiple orders of magnitude. Using and limited to their creation rather schizophrenia PGS showed an intelligence as an example (bearing than their limitations. One simply association with bipolar disorder in mind this is one of the traits multiplied the number of copies of case/control status, but not six Genomic Prediction are offering a genetic variant in an individual clinically distinct non-psychiatric their services for), the largest study by its evidence for association with traits, suggesting a shared genetic to date estimates the variation in the trait of interest, repeat and sum component between schizophrenia intelligence explained by PGS at 5.2% across the genome, and hey presto and bipolar disorder. [3]. Meaning 94.8% of the variation - polygenic profile scores! Available Since this paper, the PGS literature we observe in intelligence is not for birthdays, bar mitzvahs and all has exploded, with the general trend being captured by these scores. This your cross-trait associative needs! being that PGS are pretty good for is impressively low for a sample size The idea behind polygenic profile testing cross-trait association but of 269867 individuals, especially given scores (PGS) is to estimate an are (currently) pretty pants when it the maximum variance explained by individual’s genetic propensity for comes to prediction. And therein the genetic factors (i.e. the heritability) a trait, attributable to common problem lies. is estimated to be between 50-80% [4].

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Furthermore, heritability refers to a homogeneous as possible, with the the trait variance explained by population-level estimate - not how majority of these studies focussing PGS in one of the traits on offer much of a trait is “caused by” genes, on white European ancestry. An (intelligence) is only about 5% and, which is a common misconception. example of this bias can be seen even then, that value is only valid in Therefore, taking several embryos in work by Levy-Sakin et al [6] about 16% of the global population. created by two individuals isn’t who looked at genomes from 26 Ideal. Money well spent. But, even actually going to result in a great ethnic populations and identified in a world where the variance degree of divergent variance to 60Mb of non-redundant genome explained by PGS matched the trait choose from. Genomic breeding content that was not present in the heritability estimates from twin and values work in an animal breeding reference genome (which geneticists family studies (which is implausible context because we are interested constructed as a “representative given the likely role of rare and non- in the metric at the group, and not example” of the human genome). additive genetic effects - inherently the individual, level and because Another paper by Sherman et al not captured by PGS), and we had we can artificially drive selection in [7] showed that in 910 African- studies on all different ancestries - an animal population. This results American genomes, 10% of the selecting embryos based on PGS still in a more closely related group, genome was present in all the study seems a fairly ropey idea to me, and which results in less recombination, individuals but, again, missing that is due to pleiotropy. Pleiotropy affording improved predictive from the reference genome. The is where genetic variants influence accuracy in a way which is much less weights used in PGS are taken from more than one trait. Indeed, it is the tractable in an effectively randomly genome-wide association studies basis of the whole non-predictive mating outbred population such as (GWAS) of the trait of interest, side of PGS analysis - association. the human race [5]. which more often than not have PGS analyses have shown repeatedly Heritability estimates, the upper been conducted in a population of that many pairs of traits appear bound of PGS predictive ability, are European ancestry. Indeed, according to share a common genetic basis. specific to ancestral populations. to the GWAS catalogue, ~79% of Therefore, by selecting on one trait, This brings me onto another GWAS participants are of European we may inadvertently be selecting glaring issue regarding the clinical ancestry, despite this subpopulation on another, perhaps less desirable, utility of PGS: the Eurocentric only comprising ~16% of the global trait. Given how little we know about bias of genetic studies. As different population. This is problematic when the genetic architecture of complex ancestral populations have different generating PGS in non-European diseases, it would seem folly to start patterns of linkage disequilibrium, ancestry individuals, as PGS predict selecting embryos based on their PGS resulting in different frequencies of individual risk far more accurately for one trait. Admittedly, Genomic both tag SNPs and casual variants, in Europeans than non-Europeans; Prediction are currently only offering studying mixed populations can to the extent that in individuals of the service to rule out embryos who result in spurious associations (in African descent, the predictive power are more than 25 standard deviations particular, if cases are recruited of PGS derived from European data is below the population mean but have from one population, and controls no better than chance [8]. not ruled out selecting on higher from another). To try and combat So, the story so far - we have a than average IQ in the future, citing this, genetic studies have generally company offering to aid embryo the rationale of if they don’t, someone used samples that are as genetically selection using PGS, we know that else will.

So, the story so far - we have a company offering to aid embryo selection using PGS, we know that the trait variance explained by PGS in one of the traits on offer (intelligence) is only about 5% and, even then, that value is only valid in about 16% of the global population. Ideal. Money well spent.

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The story for PGS is not all doom [1] Purcell et al (2009, Nature) [5] Wray et al (2019, Genetics) and gloom, however. As stated above, Common polygenic variation Complex Trait Prediction from they are useful at indicating potential contributes to risk of Genome Data: Contrasting EBV in shared biology between pairs of schizophrenia and bipolar Livestock to PRS in Humans traits. And, in the world of precision disorder [6] Levy-Sakin et al (2019, Nature medicine, have been shown to predict [2] New Scientist (2018) A new test Communications) Genome maps breast cancer, prostate cancer and can predict IVF embryos’ risk of across 26 human populations type 1 diabetes in European descent having a low IQ reveal population-specific patients more accurately than patterns of structural variation current clinical models [8]. So, the [3] Savage et al (2018, Nature above is not to undermine the clinical Genetics) Genome-wide [7] Sherman et al (2019, Nature potential of PGS. Just, with so much association meta-analysis in Genetics) Assembly of a pan- further research being required (in 269,867 individuals identifies new genome from deep sequencing of many instances, in data that is yet genetic and functional links to 910 humans of African descent to be collected), maybe spend your intelligence [8] Martin et al (2019, Nature hard-earned cash on something more [4] Posthuma et al (2001, Behavior Genetics) Clinical use of current conducive to your happiness than Genetics) Perceptual Speed and IQ polygenic risk scores may trying to predict which embryo will Are Associated Through Common exacerbate health disparities be the smartest. Genetic Factors

Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Symposium (EGGS) - Sectional Interest Group in the spotlight EGGSiting parallels between cancer and evolution – Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Symposium 2019 in Cambridge

Joana Meier and Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich

uring his student years at 2019 Evolutionary Genetics and must have jumped from Africa DCambridge, Darwin became Genomics Symposium (EGGS) to South America after the land known as “the man who walks at Cambridge was an excellent bridge between North America with Henslow”. J. S. Henslow was reminder of that. and Asia closed. It turns out that a priest, a geologist and a botanist The symposium was opened with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis that founded the Cambridge a fascinating talk by keynote strains found in ancient samples of Botanic Gardens. His obsession speaker Anne Stone from Arizona South Americans are most closely for understanding and recording State University. She showed how related to M. pinnipedi found in variation within “created” plant ancient DNA can shed light on seals, suggesting that seals might species would permeate to Darwin’s the interactions between humans have carried the bacterium to South later questioning of the stability of and other species. Even though America. these. Even today, understanding tuberculosis originated only 3000- Closely related species may not interactions and variation within 5000 years ago in Africa, it was only interact ecologically but also and between species lies at the recently found in South American through hybridization as the talk heart of evolutionary biology. The ancient DNA samples and thus by Ruonyun Hui (U. Cambridge)

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nicely illustrated with her study pleiotropic effects on mating avatars to predict the evolutionary on Denisovan alleles in human behaviour as found by Venera trajectory of specific cancers. In genomes. She found evidence Tyukmaeva (U. Jyväskylä). Wing the second keynote talk given by for multiple pulses of admixture shape variation between high and Charles Swanton (UCL Cancer from Denisovans into Papuans, lowland populations of Heliconius Institute), it became obvious that whereas they all share a single erato butterflies, on the other hand, the diversity of cancers may actually ancestral admixture event from seems to have a polygenetic basis exceed the number of patients, Neanderthals. However, as mating as shown by Gabriela Montejo- because tumours eventually branch with other species is usually Kovacevich (U. Cambridge). Local into multiple genetically different disadvantageous, a diverse array adaptation may potentially also regions. He presented his impressive of species recognition traits has contribute to morphological and TracerX project which allows to evolved. Multiple talks elucidated genetic differences between Baltic distinguish between that the genetic underpinnings of such Sea populations of the harbour occurred on the trunk, i.e. are shared traits including body coloration porpoise that Marijke Autenrieth (U. by all tumour cells, and mutations and egg spots in cichlid fishes by Potsdam) characterized. in different tumour branches. Emilia Santos (U. Cambridge) or This distinction is important for pheromones in Heliconius butterflies immunotherapy which should by Kelsey Byers (U. Cambridge), target the entire tumour and thus each finding a single genomic region trunk mutations. However, many of large effect. Keynote speaker mutations typically associated with Beverley Glover (U. Cambridge) cancer are also found in healthy showed that nectar spurs of different tissues as nicely illustrated by lengths in Antirrhinae plants Jamie Blundell (U. Cambridge) for mediate reproductive isolation blood cells and by Luzia Moore because they attract pollinators (Wellcome Sanger Institute) for the with different proboscis lengths. endometrium, the inner lining of the Indeed, her group finds that lineages uterus. They find that age, smoking with nectar spurs have higher and BMI play major roles in the speciation rates. This could help number of such somatic mutations solve the abominable mystery of detected. the extremely high species richness As Charles Swanton pointed out, of flowering plants that already there are parallels between cancer puzzled Darwin. evolution and the evolution of Large phenotypic variation can species. Selection and drift act in a sometimes also be observed within Best talk award winner - Roman similar manner on tumour cells that species. In his talk awarded with Kellenberger (University of Cambridge) carry different mutations as they a giant chocolate egg for the best do on individuals in populations. presentation, Roman Kellenberger Genetic variation can even be Charles even went a step further, (U. Cambridge) showed that observed within a single individual. comparing interactions between overdominance maintains an For example, T cells differ in somatic immune cells and cancer cells intraspecific polymorphism in flower mutations as studied in detail by to predator-prey interactions in coloration in the orchid Gymnadenia Heather Machado (Sanger Institute). species communities. Such far- rhellicana. Another factor that The diversity is probably highest in fetched parallels only become can maintain intraspecific cancers. This comes with problems apparent during a symposium polymorphisms is adaptation to regarding treatment as “there are as featuring cancer, health and environmental gradients. This many cancers as there are patients evolutionary talks side by side was exemplified by pigmentation with cancer” as Alejandra Bruna and make good food for thought. variation in Drosophila montana (U. Cambridge) pointed out, while Another noticeable parallel is the determined by a locus with showing the potential of mouse similarity in methods applied by the

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researchers. No matter if the aim is conservation of vulnerable species, curing cancer, or understanding evolutionary principles, what unites all these studies is that they make great use of the novel sequencing and bioinformatics tools while integrating established ecological or clinical knowledge. We are extremely thankful to the funding provided by the Genetics Society that enabled this highly stimulating and diverse meeting to take place. EGGS2019 took place on 19. March 2019 in Cambridge, and was co- organized by Prof Frank Jiggins, Dr Arunkumar Ramesh, Prof Chris Jiggins, and Dr Joana Meier.

Genetics Society Centenary Celebrations International Mendel day at the Royal Institution

Prof. Laurence Hurst

hat could be more appropriate introduced by our past president discovery of the genes for breast Wto kick off our centenary Wendy Bickmore (the Mendal cancer was striking. Coincidentally, celebrations than a joint colloquium Medal is at the discretion of the it emerged that the two Mendel on International Mendel day, President). lecturers were intellectually related with representatives from the Both talks presented the best of the as Mary-Claire King had taught Dr Mendelianum in Brno? As well as modern face of medical genetics. Laukaitis. hearing some of the best recent While Marie-Claire King’s lecture While this represented the new face historical scholarship, the event considered her ground-breaking of genetics, the two first lectures marked a first in having two Mendel work on breast cancer, Dr Laukaitis of the day presented the latest Medal lectures on the same day. provided insight into the current scholarly historical research on Jiří Sekerák of the Mendelianum life of a medical geneticist whose Mendel and Darwin. In a coordinated presented an overview of the work sits between laboratory bench double act, Daniel Fairbanks (Utah organization and introduced their and hospital bed. She illustrated Valley University) looked at the 2019 Mendel Medal winner, Christina the power of whole genome evidence of the possible influence Laukaitis (Tuscon, Arizona). The sequencing of patient DNA to of Darwin on Mendel. From textural second Mendel Medal lecture (this discover the genetic basis of their analysis and examination of one being the Genetical Society’s underlying disease. The contrast Mendel’s annotations in his copy medal) was a tour-de-force evening between current sequencing of the translation of The Origin, he public lecture by Mary-Claire technology and the arduous work argued that there was an influence King (University of Washington), that went into Marie-Claire King’s on Mendel’s thoughts and writings,

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but not on experimental design, the experiments having been Given the importance of Darwin to completed prior to Mendel receiving the book. The talk was illustrated Mendel, as argued by Fairbanks, why by Fairbank’s own sculptures and paintings. Darwin wasn’t on the list of folks to The second part of the double whom Mendel had sent a copy of his act, saw Gregory Radick (Leeds University), consider the inverse paper is an open question. question: what if Darwin had known about Mendel? Although it is often claimed that Darwin had a woman. Indeed, consider the list of to thank Saunders for. Indeed, her copy of Mendel’s paper - for which Presidents of the Genetics Society role in the founding of the Genetics no evidence has surfaced - Radick and she stands out: first because Society cannot be understated. convincingly argued, contra to she was the first female President, Bateson once remarked “It was Miss Bateson in 1930, that it would have but second because she is the only Saunders who forced the Genetical made no meaningful difference. one not to be a of the Royal Society upon us”. As a society Radick’s thesis was that Darwin was Society. The Royal Society didn’t we usually suggest that Bateson searching for a much grander theory. admit any female members until founded the society “ably abetted” Such a synthetic view of inheritance 1945, the year Saunders died in a by Saunders. It would appear to be needed to tie in transmission bicycle accident. otherwise. genetics with, for example, the Woollard painted a picture of Woollard reminded us that such regenerative abilities of planarians Saunder’s achievement in the discrimination is not a strange and observations of tissues from one face of discrimination. Women at historical anachronism, illustrating species growing on another species. Cambridge University were not this with detailed analysis of Mendelian inheritance, had Darwin permitted to do practicals and nor the case of Esther Lederberg. factored it in, would only have be awarded degrees (the question The side-by-side comparison of added to his list of things that this had been raised in 1897 but rejected her achievements and those of grand synthesis would be required and not corrected until 1948). To her one-time husband, the Nobel to integrate. Indeed, Darwin’s own overcome the former problem, Prize winning Joshua, made for experiments threw up 3:1 ratios but the all-women Newnham college unsettling listening. Both achieved no accompanying insight. Given the established the Balfour labs much but the lack of jobs and of importance of Darwin to Mendel, as where Saunders studied and, in recognition of Esther compared argued by Fairbanks, why Darwin turn, trained other young women with Joshua is shameful. We can wasn’t on the list of folks to whom scientists, becoming the head only hope that sexism in science will Mendel had sent a copy of his paper Demonstrator. Despite the obstacles become a question for the historians is an open question. she achieved much. Aside from to comprehend, rather than a Aside from being International being President of the Society, she contemporary challenge. Mendel day, the occasion also was elected a fellow of the Royal coincided with International Horticulture Society, from which Women’s Day and provided the she received the Banksian Medal, opportunity for an appraisal of the and was one of the first women under-appreciated co-founder of the elected to the Linneaen Society of Genetics Society, Edith Saunders, London. JBS Haldane in correcting by Alison Woollard (Oxford a rather muted obituary in Nature, University). As Wollard explained, called her the “Mother of British Saunders’ story is one of a brilliant plant genetics”. Amongst other scientist marginalised for no better achievements she discovered reason than because she was a linkage. As a society we have much

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The Flowering Of Genetics – the Genetics Society Centenary Garden at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show

Dr. Jonathan Pettitt

at an event organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, since horticulture and plant breeding provided the forum for the early development of genetics at the beginning of the 20th century. It was at a Royal Horticultural Society meeting in July 1899, that the co-founder of the Genetics Society, , gave a lecture on hybridisation and crossbreeding. In the lecture he discussed the work of Hugo de Vries and Edith Saunders (the other, and more significant co-founder of the Genetics Society), who had investigated the inheritance patterns of hairy and glabrous plants. He also urged the plant breeding community t was early on a glorious Monday kick scooter. As she passed, she to conduct large-scale, statistically Imorning in May and I was heading called out “Morning, Father”, and rigorous breeding experiments, to The Royal Chelsea Hospital. I had continued down the road ahead unaware at the time that Mendel volunteered to be part of the team of me. That she mistook me for a decades earlier had already achieved running The Genetics Society’s man of the cloth was perhaps not such a research programme. Centenary Garden, The Flowering surprising, given that I was dressed In May of the following year, of Genetics, at the 2019 Royal as a priest. Well, strictly speaking Bateson gave another lecture, again Horticultural Society’s Chelsea an Augustinian Friar; convinced at a Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show. Despite having almost into a cassock by the Centenary meeting. Either on his way to give no experience of gardening, as Programme Manager, Cristina this lecture, or soon after, Mendel’s witnessed by my truly shameful Fonseca, I was to spend the week work became known to him, because back garden, I had nevertheless dressed as . when his lecture was published taken time to learn about the biology The Genetics Society Centenary later that year, he included brief and genetics of the snapdragons that Chelsea exhibition was conceived accounts of the now iconic pea formed the core of our display. by Wendy Bickmore, when she experiments. From then on Bateson Rehearsing the science again in my was President of the Society. She was very much Mendel’s Bulldog, head as I walked along the Chelsea correctly judged that it would be promoting Mendelian genetics and Embankment, my thoughts were an innovative and unusual way defending it from the criticisms of interrupted by the speedy passage to celebrate the Centenary. And the Biometricians. Again, the Royal of an immaculately dressed elderly very appropriate to commemorate Horticultural Society played an lady in a straw boater, riding a the Genetic Society’s foundation important role in these activities,

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since they were the publishers of offspring are thus less fit than either Completing the display, were Bateson’s first English language parent. To human eyes, however, smaller planters, artfully based translation of Mendel’s Experiments the enormous diversity of colour on the Genetics Society logo. in Plant Hybridisation. displayed by the F1 hybrids makes for These included a lily, there for the More than 100 years later, the a very striking display. The visitors to enormous size of its genome, and a Genetics Society’s Centenary the stand seemed to agree; although peloric Antirrhinum mutant, similar Garden at the Chelsea Flower initially attracted by the riot of to the type studied by Charles Show was also focussed on the colour, they were also engaged by the Darwin. topic of hybridisation, with a main compelling scientific story behind the The Centenary Garden provided an display based on work from Enrico flower display. excellent means of engaging with Coen’s laboratory, investigating In addition to the zone, at the many hundreds of visitors to the molecular genetics of natural one end of the stand we had a DNA the stand and gave us a fantastic hybrid zones that form between double helix, kindly constructed for opportunity to explain the history two Antirrhinum majus sub- us by the John Innes Centre, the base of genetics and the Society, genetics species – A. m. pseudomajus and pairs represented by transparent as a scientific discipline, and its A. m. striatum. These two morphs tubes filled with peas displaying the application to research, medicine differ strikingly in flower colour iconic yellow, green, wrinkled and and, of course, plant breeding. The and in the patterns that they use smooth traits used by Mendel. At display also won over the Chelsea to attract their bee pollinators. The the other end, less striking visually, Flower Show judges – it was awarded mechanisms that generate these but just as significant, Martin Taylor a Silver Medal, which will be proudly distinct patterns are well understood (MRC Institute of Genetics and added to the Society archives. - they are determined by variation Molecular Medicine) set up a MinION, Overall, this was an exceptionally in four genes. If you want to learn which ran throughout the week, enjoyable and rewarding week. about the story in more detail, I generating sequence information We are even contemplating taking would recommend Enrico Coen’s from the genomic DNA of one the another garden to Chelsea in 2020. Haldane Lecture (https://youtu.be/ snapdragons from the hybrid zone Watch this space! Q4QS62qMImw). display. The important aspect of this research from the perspective of the Chelsea Flower Show display is that when the two sub-species produce hybrid offspring, the genetic variants that are associated with the two distinct pollination signals are mixed together into combinations that scramble the pollination cues displayed to the bees; the hybrid

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Genetics Society Centenary Birthday Celebration

Dr. Jonathan Pettitt | Photos by Dr. Douglas Vernimmen

he inaugural meeting of The TGenetical Society (as our Society was then known) was held at the Linnean Society in London on 25th June 1919. The co-founders of the Society, Edith Rebecca Saunders and William Bateson, became Vice- Presidents, and those assembled agreed unanimously to invite the former Prime Minister, Arthur J. Edith Rebecca Saunders and her by these two scientists, providing Balfour to become the first President contributions to genetics and plant clear evidence that Saunders was of the Society. breeding. Included in the exhibition very much the driving force for the One hundred years later, The were components of the Chelsea formation of the Genetics Society. Genetics Society celebrated its Flower Show garden and Bateson’s Moreover, it is clear that there has birthday in Norwich, the home of the original microscope. been insufficient credit given to her John Innes Centre, of which William This was followed by the formal insight into foundational aspects Bateson was the founding Director opening of the celebrations by the of genetics, most notably genetic (its original name being the John current director of the John Innes linkage. Innes Horticultural Institution). Centre, Dale Sanders. The Society Laurence then invited Sir Paul Nurse The celebration began at the John President, Laurence Hurst, then onto the stage to unveil the blue Innes Centre with an exhibition of gave an enlightening account of plaques that will be installed in the material from the Society archive, the contributions made by Edith John Innes Centre to commemorate documenting the beginnings of Rebecca Saunders and William Edith Rebecca Saunders and William the Society and correspondence Bateson to the foundation of both Bateson as co-founders of The from William Bateson, including the Society and the discipline of Genetics Society. the letter where the term ‘genetics’ genetics itself. Paul remained on stage to receive was first coined. There was also In particular, he brought some much the one-of-a-kind Genetics Society a highly informative series of needed balance to the discussion Centenary Medal for his outstanding posters documenting the life of of the relative contributions made contributions to genetics, not just

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because of his own Nobel Prize plants and animals associated The evening was a tremendous winning research, but through his with genetics and the desert was a success and this is in no small work as a defender and cleverly designed Punnett square. measure to the tireless enthusiasm of the scientific enterprise both Entertainment was provided by and hard work of our Centenary nationally and internationally. His Jonny Berliner, who performed Programme Manager, Cristina hugely entertaining Centenary several appropriately-themed songs, Fonseca; whoever is responsible for Medal lecture was a clear including a song imagining a letter the Bicentenary celebrations will illustration of his talents as a written by to Alfred have a high standard to meet. scientific communicator. He gave Russel Wallace, explaining how he a personal account of the use of felt about finding that he had almost genetics as a means to understand been scooped. But the highlight biological systems - the S. pombe was a song specially written for the cell cycle - and why Centenary (co-written with our own research continues to be important. VP for Public Understanding of It was a passionate, witty and Genetics, Alison Woollard). inspiring lecture, and the perfect The evening also included a way to end the proceedings at the competition to decipher the genetic John Innes Centre. code laid out in decorated cupcake The celebrations continued in the ‘nucleotides’. Although a missense evening, with the Centenary Dinner occurred during the held in the Music Room of the transmission of information to Assembly House in Norwich, the the Assembly House kitchen, the tables decorated with snapdragons, message was still successfully lilies and, of course, dried peas deciphered, with the prize for speed and corn kernels! The food was of translation being awarded to chosen to have connections to key Peter Holland.

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These reports are from Junior Scientists, who the Genetic Society has funded (up to £750) to attend non-Society genetics meetings. Further information on how to apply for these grants can be found in the Grant Schemes section of the newsletter or on the Genetics Society Website. In this issue we have reports from Zoe Angel, Ivan Candido-Ferreira, Lisa Dressler and Sean Flynn. Live fast, Daejeon!

Zoe Angel . University of Ulster

My PhD has focused on miRNA signalling in prostate cancer, and this was my first conference specifically focused on RNA biology. Therefore, it was fascinating to attend a meeting devoted to the mechanisms of small RNA mediated gene silencing, and to hear from the leading researchers in the field. David P. Bartel from MIT, one of the most famous researchers in miRNAs, gave a brilliant opening address. Among other things, he discussed factors that determine the affinity between miRNAs and the mRNAs that they bind to and inhibit, including the importance of the sequence surrounding the “seed” binding region. The closing address was given by the Nobel laureate Phillip A. Sharp, who gave a riveting talk on the role of miRNAs in regulating condensate formation successfully applied for a Junior There was a wide selection of and transcription, and how his lab IScientist Conference Grant to topics covered – from microRNAs evaluates super enhancer formation allow me to travel to Daejeon in (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs and function. South Korea and attend the Keystone (piRNAs), structural insights in the Another highlight for me was a Symposium on Small Regulatory small RNA processing machinery talk by Dr Chirlmin Joo of Delft RNAs (D7) from 14th-18th April (such as Argonaute (Argonaute), University of Technology in the 2019. At this meeting, world-leading Dicer and Drosha), to the effect of Netherlands, who captivated the scientists met to discuss recent genomic organisation on miRNA audience by describing how his lab developments and cutting-edge expression, as well insights from explored how Argonaute (with a techniques in RNA biology. CRISPR-based technologies. miRNA bound to it) scans mRNAs

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to rapidly identify complementary Another highlight for me was a talk by sequences, among at least a hundred thousand potential regions. Dr Chirlmin Joo of Delft University of miRNAs are important for rapid cellular adaptation and stress Technology in the Netherlands, who captivated responses and must exert immediate the audience by describing how his lab effects, although how Argonaute mediates this so efficiently explored how Argonaute (with a miRNA remains poorly understood. Dr Joo employed a FRET-based bound to it) scans mRNAs to rapidly identify approach to discriminate between complementary sequences, among at least a whether Argonaute hops, slides, jumps or glides across mRNA. hundred thousand potential regions. miRNAs Intriguingly, they showed that it employs different types of are important for rapid cellular adaptation movement depending on whether and stress responses and must exert immediate it is making local or long-range searches. They have also used effects, although how Argonaute mediates this this approach to monitor how the CRISPR/Cas9 complex scans DNA. so efficiently remains poorly understood. This type of research is incredibly impactful as provides fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of other diseases. I returned home with on another evening, some delicious gene regulation, which is relevant many ideas, some of which I can seafood hotpots with a research to all domains of life. I also learned complete during the last few months group from Japan. On the last night, of several methods for the first of my PhD and many more that I can a group of us (PIs included!) spent time, such as CLIP-CLASH, which discuss in my thesis. I also enjoyed the night drinking soju and singing involves crosslinking miRNAs to meeting some science editors in a karaoke booth until 3am. their mRNA target regions followed and PIs involved in fellowship Therefore, this experience was by immunoprecipitation and reviewing, who gave me valuable hugely beneficial for both my sequencing to identify the targets. advice that will be useful when thesis and career development, and There were also some exciting writing my fellowship applications furthermore I had a fantastic time. I insights shown using CRYO-EM during the coming months. would highly recommend Keystone approaches. Listening to these talks As well as the scientific benefits, Symposiums as the scientific and many others has given me a attending this meeting gave me the content was exceptional, the much deeper understanding of how opportunity to explore beautiful meeting was organised seamlessly, the molecules that I study function. South Korea during the cherry and the atmosphere felt relaxed and I presented my PhD research on blossom season, and to meet people informal. miRNA signalling in prostate from all over the world. I found I sincerely thank the Genetics cancer by poster, and I sincerely the other delegates very friendly Society for enabling me to attend, appreciated how many people and approachable, and enjoyed and I would encourage other showed interest in my work, took socialising during the free time. members to apply for the grants the time to talk with me, and The organisers had arranged a trip that are available, as it was a terrific gave suggestions on additional to a local pottery village in the experience. experiments that I could use. It was mountains, where we collected some especially useful to get feedback handmade ceramics as gifts. One on my methods from classical RNA night I shared a Korean barbeque biologists, bioinformaticians, or dinner with some other PhD those doing similar experiments in students from Europe and the USA,

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Gordon Research Conference on Neural Crest and Cranial Placodes

Ivan L. Candido-Ferreira . University of Oxford

he Gordon Research Conference vice-chaired by prof. Paul Trainor represented an exciting opportunity Ton Neural Crest (NC) and (Stowers Institute for Medical to explore with remarkable detail Cranial Placodes (CP) is the Research, University of Kansas the wide range of topics underlying premiere meeting for developmental School of Medicine, USA). NC and CP ontogeny. biologists working on these The conference brought together a In conjunction with the “Neural embryonic tissues, which takes place selected group of ~100 NC and CP Crest and Cranial Placodes” Gordon every two years. biologists from all over the world Research Conference (GRC), a In April 2019, the conference was – including Asia, the Americas, preceding symposium (named held in the stunning Renaissance Africa and Europe - reflecting the GRS) organised by junior research Tuscany Il Ciocco venue in Tuscany, cutting-edge research conducted scientists during April 13-14. The Italy, organised by prof. Clare Baker in diverse systems and through GRS offered a unique chance for (University of Cambridge, UK) and multiple approaches. Therefore, it graduate students, post-docs, and

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other scientists with comparable talks offered an opportunity for feedback on my doctoral research. levels of experience and education discussions focused on the role My poster, entitled “Reverse- to present and exchange their data of NC, CP and their derivatives engineering of a pan-vertebrate and ideas, including challenges in in human diseases, such as neural crest transcriptional academia and career choices. craniofacial birth defects as well as network” was received with Conference sessions were designed emerging therapeutic approaches. constructive criticism and positive in a manner to promote interactions Furthermore, the wide array feedback, allowing me to further between senior and junior scientists, of excellent posters and plenty fine-tune my questions and stimulated sharing unpublished of time for discussions enabled approaches. Engaging with a diverse data and were organised in thematic engaging (and sometimes intense) group of molecular geneticists, cores, representing the diversity interactions. morphologists and developmental of approaches and questions in A key highlight for me was an entire biologists representing the experts the NC and CP development. For session focusing on the evolutionary in these fields was a real benefit example, the “Lineage Analysis” origins of NC and CP. Talks by to my work and will be helpful session, chaired by prof. Marianne Sebastian Shimeld (University of for preparing my manuscript for Bronner (California Institute of Oxford) and Mike Levine (University publication. Therefore, the outcome Technology, USA), highlighted of Princeton), demonstrated the of attending this conference will the emerging use of single cell use of both classical (e.g., lineage have immediate impacts in writing transcriptomics in capturing the tracing) and single-cell technology my thesis and in my future career. heterogeneity and transcriptional approaches to disentangle the All in all, the stimulating networks as a manner to reconstruct origins of vertebrate-defining atmosphere of this conference developmental trajectories. A features. Given the revolution that allowed for the exchange specific session on epithelial-to- single-cell “omics” approaches in our of unpublished data and mesenchymal transitions (EMT) understanding of development and novel approaches, form new led by prof. Anne-Hélène Monsoro- disease, it was especially exciting collaborations, and mentor junior Burq (Institut Curie / Universite to see how these approaches are scientists in an informal and Paris Sud, France) showed the rapidly shaping our understanding supportive environment. I have role of molecular approaches and of evolutionary novelties. made excellent new connections mathematical models in developing As a third year DPhil student at and gained valuable feedback on a systems-level understanding of the University of Oxford at Tatjana my work. None of this would have EMT in NC/CP both in development Sauka-Spengler group studying been possible without the generous and disease. developmental genetics of NC support from the Genetics Society In addition to sessions focusing across different species, taking part Junior Research Travel Award, for on the molecular basis of NC and in this conference was a unique which I am really grateful. CP ontogeny, clinical-centred opportunity to discuss and receive

Engaging with a diverse group of molecular geneticists, morphologists and developmental biologists representing the experts in these fields was a real benefit to my work and will be helpful for preparing my manuscript for publication.

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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Network Biology Meeting

Lisa Dressler . The Institute

he Network Biology meeting is Theld every two years at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories (New York, USA). This year, I went to the meeting from March 19th until March 23rd 2019, which was attended by over 120 participants. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories are about one hour by train from New York City. From the closest station, shuttle buses run regularly to the campus, which is located in a beautiful, remote town right next to the ocean. A great place to spend four days immersed in network biology! The conference started in the evening with a keynote lecture given by Frederick Roth, followed by the first networking session: in small groups of around ten people including students, postdocs and PIs, we each presented and discussed our research topic. It was a very nice way to break A very exciting part of the people more than once and find them the ice and meet new people at the conference was presenting my project for further discussions during coffee start of the conference. as a flash talk and as a poster during breaks, lunch, dinner or in the bar the following poster session. Many on campus after the last talk had The next four days passed very finished. quickly, with great talks across people came to look at my poster and several topics of network biology: discuss the results. The feedback I The conference ended with a networks in differentiation, received was very useful, I got a lot of delicious lobster dinner (a tradition translation, to study evolution, the ideas for different approaches to try of Cold Spring Harbor meetings) and microbiome or protein interactions. and learned to think about my results on the next day the closing keynote from different perspectives. lecture by Trey Ideker. Two sessions were particularly interesting for me: genetic Over the whole conference, there I am very grateful for the chance interaction networks and disease were plenty of opportunities for to attend this meeting during the networks. I learned useful networking and discussing about second year of my PhD. With 18 background information on data I research projects. Recognizing some months of experience, I was able to had been using previously, data I faces from the initial networking present some preliminary data of my would like to use in the future, and session was very helpful to start project, but still have two more years learned about new approaches to try conversations. With around 120 to include new ideas. Thank you for for my project. participants, it was easy to meet your support, Genetics Society!

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Gordon Research Conference on Modulation of Neural Circuits and Behavior

Sean Flynn . MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

ollowing previous meetings Fin Hong Kong and Maine, the Gordon Research Conference on Modulation of Neural Circuits and Behavior continued its continental rotation in 2019 by convening on the breathtaking Alpine slopes of Les Diablerets. The subject of the meeting was modulatory mechanisms that underlie the adaptation of the brain to internal state and external conditions. Although highly focused in its biological question, the conference was diverse in its representation of models used to address this basic problem. Lessons from mice, prairie voles, songbirds, zebrafish, Mexican cavefish, fruit , Platynereis, as well as my own model of choice, C. elegans, provided a unique synthesis the MRC Laboratory of Molecular specific roles for Dopamine during of current thinking in the field. Biology in Cambridge focused on learning, and Johannes Felsenberg This may have also contributed to the signaling pathway that mediates (Oxford) who proposed a model for what I perceived as a general lack of the action of the proinflammatory memory extinction. cliquishness; everyone at the meeting cytokine Interleukin-17 (IL-17) The final day included a cable- was approachable and meeting three on neurons. The challenge of car excursion to the stunning or four new people at every meal condensing this into a 10min talk Glacier3000, providing a fitting end or poster session was easy. The fact undoubtedly improved important to really enjoyable conference. I have that the meeting spanned 5 days, skills, and the feedback afterwards come away from it with a clearer and was relatively small in size (~150 was both thought provoking and understanding of the important participants) meant that people rewarding. future questions to be addressed in were relaxed, and there was a real A groundbreaking talk on the the field, which I am sure will help opportunity to get to know almost importance of IL-17 in the brain was me in choosing a problem to focus everyone in attendance. For me, given by Gloria Choi (MIT), who on during my postdoctoral work. I these discussions provided not only described its role in linking maternal would like to express my gratitude to interesting scientific discussions, but inflammation to neurodevelopmental the Genetics Society for supporting also fresh perspectives on careers. abnormalities. Other memorable my travel to this meeting, and would I was fortunate to be given the chance talks were given by Alex Schier recommend that anyone interested in to present my work in the form of (Harvard) on the use of single-cell neural circuits and behavior keep an short talk to this expert audience. genomic technologies in zebrafish, eye out for the 2021 edition! My PhD in Mario de Bono’s lab at Vanessa Ruta (Rockefeller) on

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In the interests of space, only four reports have been selected for inclusion in the newsletter, however contributions were also received from:

• Alice Godden • Helene Geiller • Rupert Hugh-White (University of East Anglia) - (Cardiff University) - Cold Spring (Kings College London) - EMBL Gordon Research Seminar & Harbor laboratories Telomere and run From Functional Genomics to Gordon Research Conference on Telomerase meeting Systems Biology Neural Crest and Cranial Placodes • Ioanna Leontiou • Siamak Redhai • Alys Evans (University of Edinburgh) - (MRC London Institute of Medical (Cardiff University) - 11th Chromosome segregation and Sciences) - 60th annual Drosophila Telomeres & Telomerase Meeting aneuploidy meeting conference • Bethany Rose Louise Aykroyd • Irene Breider • Siobhan Lister (University of Cambridge) - 66th (The Roslin Institute) - (Newcastle University) - 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for Opportunities offered by big Fungal Genetics Conference Reproductive Investigation data in quantitative genetics and • Clare Horscroft genomics: methods, insights and (University of Southampton) - future directions Genotype to Phenotype to Fitness • Irene Kallimasioti Pazi • Claudio Cannavò (Univeristy of Edinburgh) - EMBO Alzheimer Research UK conference Chromatin and Epigenetics Workshop • Efthimia Christoforou (University of Cambridge) - Society • Jack Rayner for Reproductive Investigation: 52nd Population Genetics Group 66th Annual Scientific Meeting • Jennifer Chandler • Ekaterina Kapitonova (University College London) - Cell (University of Edinburgh) - Non- Symposia: Regulatory RNA coding genome • Lucy Dunbar • Eleanor McCartney (MRC Harwell) - 42nd annual (University of Edinburgh) Association for Research in - Mitochondria: From Basic Otolaryngology Midwinter Meeting Biology to Mechanisms of Disease • Melanie Brien Conference (University of Sheffield) - Genotype • Elena Bernabeu Gomez to Phenotype to Fitness (The Roslin Institute) - Gordon • Milan Mušo Conference on Quantitative (MRC Harwell) - Diabetes Keystone Genetics and Genomics Symposium 2019 • Gus McFarlane • Navid Banafshe (The Roslin Institute) - The 15th (Kings College London) - 42nd Transgenic Technology Meeting annual Association for Research in • Hannah Farley Otolaryngology Midwinter Meeting (University of Oxford) - Gordon • Pro Chatzikyriakou Research Conference and Seminar (Kings College London) - on Cilia, Mucus and Mucociliary Conference Systems Epigenetics Interactions

www.genetics.org.uk . 33 ONE-OFF MEETING REPORTS 34

The Genetics Society receives several requests from members each year to sponsor meetings in the field of genetics. These meetings are usually one-off meetings with an ad hoc organising committee and may be partly sponsored by another Society. In this issue, we have reports from Nick Goldman, Alessia Caramello and Stuart MacNeill.

Mathematical and Statistical Aspects of Molecular Biology 2019

Dr Nick Goldman . EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute

The ‘30 year edition’ of the research are particularly welcome: it aspects-molecular-biology while “MASAMB” workshop in is a tradition of this meeting to have information about previous editions Mathematical and Statistical no keynote speakers and to allocate can be found on https://www.ebi. Aspects of Molecular Biology was the same time for all speakers, no ac.uk/goldman-srv/masamb/. held at the Wellcome Genome matter their seniority. MASAMB 2019 saw over 90 Campus (Hinxton, UK) on the MASAMB 2019 took place at the participants, including 18 25th and 26th of April 2019. In EMBL-European Bioinformatics travelling from foreign countries. recent years, bioinformatics and Institute (EBI) in Hinxton, Cambs., 37 of the attendees were Masters statistical genetics have formed co-hosted by EBI and the Cambridge or PhD students, and genders were the twin core themes of the long- Computational Biology Institute approximately equally represented. running series of annual meetings, (CCBI) and organised by Nicola Thanks in particular to the support typically attracting around 80–120 De Maio, Gos Micklem and Nick of the Genetics Society, bursaries participants from mathematics, Goldman. for attending the conference could statistics, computer science, It was supported by a Genetics be provided to the following early bioinformatics, biology and related Society one-off meeting grant, career researchers: Paula Avello fields. with further contributions from Fernández, Ruben Chazarra, The MASAMB meetings provide Cambridge University Press and Carla Filippi, Holly Giles, Grimur an intimate setting for exchanging Congenica Ltd. Detailed information Hjorleifsson Eldjarn, Milla Kibble, ideas in methodological and applied about the meeting is available Longzhu Shen, Diego Simón, Astrid research. Presentations from from its webpage https://www.ebi. Stubbusch and Xinyu Yang. research students and scientists ac.uk/about/events/2019/workshop- The meeting saw 24 speakers, newly entering the field of genomic mathematical-and-statistical- divided into 6 sessions. The first

In addition to the 24 full-length (20 minute) talks, 7 attendees presented lightning talks (5 minutes) as introductions to corresponding posters. In total, 20 posters were presented.

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Carla Filippi, recipient of a Genetics Society bursary Diego Simon, recipient of a Genetics Society bursary two sessions focused on Systems (contributed by the Cambridge Some of the social media activity Biology, including talks on cancer University Press) in a number of related to the meeting can be genomics, regulatory networks, categories. Sarah Henze (Max Planck found through the Twitter hashtag CRISPR/Cas9, mass spectrometry Institute for Biophysical Chemistry), #MASAMB2019: https://twitter.com/ and cell branching dynamics . The presenting the talk “Bayesian search?q=%23masamb2019. As is third session focused on Single-cell statistical inference based on MCMC the tradition of the meeting, at the RNA Sequencing, including talks facilitates the analysis of protease end of the conference the attendees discussing Bayesian and machine dynamics using tandem mass voted to choose the location of learning applications to such topics. spectrometry measurements”, and the MASAMB 2020 meeting. The The fourth session focused on Anna Hutchinson (MRC Biostatistics successful bid was from Gergely Population Genetics, including talks Unit, University of Cambridge), Szöllősi, proposing to host the on eQTLs, haplotype reconstruction presenting the talk “Identifying meeting at the Eötvös University, and in vitro differentiation. The fifth causal genetic variants — not so Budapest, Hungary. session focused on methods to detect credible credible sets”, were jointly The organisers are grateful to the selection from genome sequencing awarded the prize for Best Student MASAMB 2019 Scientific Committee: data, and the last session focused on Talk. Asger Hobolth (Bioinformatics Ingo Ebersberger (Goethe Phylogenetics, including molecular Research Center, Aarhus University), University, Frankfurt), Stephen evolution models and sequence presenting “Phase-type distributions Eglen (University of Cambridge), alignment. In addition to the 24 full- in population genetics“, was awarded Andreas Futschik (Johannes Kepler length (20 minute) talks, 7 attendees the prize for Best Senior Researcher University, Linz), Carolin Kosiol presented lightning talks (5 minutes) Talk. Michael Golden (Department (University of St Andrews), Pietro as introductions to corresponding of Statistics, University of Oxford) Liò (University of Cambridge), posters. In total, 20 posters were was awarded the Best Poster prize Gergely Szöllősi (Eötvös University, presented. for his contribution “Reconstructing Budapest), Virginie Uhlmann (EBI) The MASAMB 2019 scientific ancestral protein sequences and and Chris Wallace (University of committee awarded prizes structures”. Cambridge).

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Young Embryologist Network conference 2019 Dr Alessia Caramello . The Francis Crick Institute

he 11th Young Embryologist on the search for an axial progenitor second runner-up prize winner, Can TNetwork (YEN) conference was cell. Noelia Muñoz-Martín shared Aztekin, described his work on tail hosted at The Francis Crick Institute, her insight into the roles of Myc and regeneration in Xenopus, which on Monday 13th May. More than 140 MEIS transcription factors in murine lead to the discovery of a novel cell participants were registered for this cardiac development. and Joana type. The prize for the best talk was year’s conference that was marked Silva discussed the role of mRNA awarded to Claudia Gerri for her by an international selection of modification as a requirement in work on early lineage specification, speakers with two of three invited differentiation of pluripotent cell comparing mouse, bovine and human speakers coming from Germany and lines. embryos. The final selected abstract Spain. In total 12 selected abstracts The second invited speaker of the speaker, Sergio Manchero, focused were grouped into three sessions, day, Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo, shared on the role of Notch signalling in according to their research topics. his approach to the study of gene driving transition in cell potency The conference was amended by regulatory networks, using recurrent during mouse preimplantation around 30 poster presentations and neural networks. He emphasized development. concluded with a panel discussion of the necessity to implement a The keynote lecture of the day, four speakers reflecting their career ‘memory’ of past inputs into the dedicated to the late Sammy Lee, paths in- and outside of academia. genetic network, which are required was delivered by Takashi Hiiragi, In keeping with YEN tradition, during differentiation. His talk was whose work is concerned with mouse the best talk was awarded with followed by a session on ‘Modelling preimplantation development. He the Sammy Lee Award, presented Neurodevelopment’. presented recent data on the role of by Karen Lee. The best poster and Andreas Sagner won a runner- cortical tension in formation of the two runner-up presenters were up prize for his presentation on blastocoel and overall blastocyst size. determined by popular vote this year. mouse spinal cord development, The conference day ended with a The conference day was opened by reconstructed from single-cell panel discussion on alternative Dr. Sally Lowell from the University RNA sequencing data of the career paths, with insight provided of Edinburgh, who spoke about her developing neural tube. Florence by Marta Gritti (Senior Editor at work on local morphological changes Giger’s work is focused on myosin EBioMedicine, Elsevier), Andy Powell in differentiation. She presented her localisation driving neurulation in (Crick, GSK Biomedical LinkLabs), group’s recent advances into tools to the developing forebrain. Valeria Graham Mills (Co-founder and measure epithelial formation in the Scagliotti presented on the role Managing Director of Techspert.io), primitive streak. This technological of Dlk1 in driving proliferation of and Silvia Santos (Group Leader at advance allowed to study the anterior pituitary gland progenitors. the Crick). The panellists reflected on influence of 3D organisation on gene The session was concluded by Eleni their responsibilities, job security as expression which assist cell fate Chrysostomou who shared her work well as future options, and answered commitment. on SoxB transcription factors in numerous questions from the The following session was dedicated Hydractinia echinata. audience. to ‘ and Cell The final session of selected abstract Overall, the collaborative atmosphere Behaviour’. Both Toby Andrews speakers focused on ‘Signalling in with lively discussions marked the and Lewis Thomson presented work Development and Regeneration’. success of this conference day, which on axis elongation in amphioxus Sergi Junyent Espinosa spoke about we hope to carry on in the future. We and zebrafish respectively. While glutamate receptor activities on would like to take this opportunity Lewis Thomson investigated the stem cells, which enable them to to thank our sponsors for their dynamics of presomitic mesoderm, localize Wnt signalling sources generous support and hope for future Toby Andrews presented his work and thereby find their niche. The collaboration.

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Scottish DNA Replication Network meeting 2019 Dr Stuart MacNeill . University of St Andrews

he 2019 meeting of the Scottish which have previously been shown to TDNA Replication Network cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, (SDRN) took place in a rainy St a disease that affects the brain, Andrews at the beginning of May immune system and skin. 2019, with generous sponsorship from Replication timing: Several the Genetics Society, the Scottish speakers focused on the timing of Universities Life Sciences Alliance replication initiation, how this is (SULSA) and a small group of regulated during development and bioscience suppliers. the role of chromatin in replication he network was formed in 2017 processes. Vanesa Álvarez (Alabert recombination factors in DNA Tas an informal grouping of nine lab, Dundee) introduced her work replication and genome variability in research groups from five leading investigating chromatin landscape the parasitic kinetoplast Leishmania. Scottish universities with shared at replication origins, Vladislav Understanding the molecular interests in the molecular, cell and Nikolov (Kubota lab, Aberdeen) processes that underpin replication structural biology of eukaryotic described genome-wide chromatin termination and replisome and archaeal chromosomal DNA association of the histone chaperone disassembly is a particularly top replication. The meeting attracted Rtt106, Lora Boteva (Buonomo lab, topic in replication research at 52 participants from all career stages Edinburgh) presented data showing present: Tom Deegan (Labib lab, (11 PI’s and independent , that replication timing changes in Dundee) presented exciting new 26 PDRA’s and 15 postgraduate response to replication stress are data on the ubiquitylation of the students), with a good gender transcription-dependent, Naiming yeast CMG complex and replisome balance (27 male and 25 female) Chen (Buonomo lab also) described disassembly by SCFDia2 and Cdc48- and with representatives from the novel approaches to study the Ufd1-Npl4, while Yisui Xia and Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, role of nuclear architecture in the Fabrizio Villa (both also from the St Andrews, Dundee and Aberdeen, regulation of DNA replication timing Labib lab) talked about the role of to hear 14 talks on diverse aspects program in mouse embryonic stem the TIMELESS-TIPIN complex in of DNA replication biology and to cells, while Peter Gillespie (Blow coupling the CUL-2LRR-1 ubiquitin view a selection of posters. The talks lab, Dundee) discussed replication ligase to the replisome in nematodes covered a range of topics in the broad licensing in the context of very short and mammalian replisome area of DNA replication in human embryonic cell cycles. disassembly, respectively. cells and in various model systems, Replisome structure, stability and The meeting ended with a dash both eukaryotic and archaeal. disassembly: Stuart MacNeill (St through the pouring rain to dinner DNA replication and disease: It is Andrews) summarised work on the in St Andrews and the resolve to clear that defects in chromosome archaeal replisome and the evolution hold the third annual SDRN meeting replication lead in many cases to and function of archaeal RecJ/Cdc45 in 2020, hopefully in better weather. human genetic disease. Martin proteins, Chandre Monerawela and You can follow the SDRN on Twitter Reijns (an independent fellow in the Lotte Watts (Donaldson-Hiraga @scotdnarep or via the network Jackson lab, Edinburgh) talked about group, Aberdeen) presented new data website. Applications to join the recent work linking mutations in on the role of Rif1 in the protection network can be made to the network DNA2 to microcephalic primordial of stalled replication forks in yeast coordinator. SDRN meetings are open dwarfism, while Olga Murina and humans and in response to to members and non-members alike. (Jackson lab) showed how genome- replication stress, respectively, while wide forward genetic screens can Jeziel Damasceno (an independent be used to map genetic interactions fellow in the McCulloch lab, Glasgow) involving RNaseH2, mutations in talked about the role of homologous

www.genetics.org.uk . 37 HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANT REPORT 38

These reports are from researchers who the Genetic Society has funded (up to £1500) to undertake a field-based genetic research project, the results from which would be suitable for publication in the Society’s journal Heredity. In this issue, we have reports from Lara Urban, Claudia Martin, and Christophe Patterson.

Genomics research on the critically endangered kākāpō Lara Urban . EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute; University of Cambridge

maximize future diversity within the species. I travelled to New Zealand to understand how genomics research can support the recovery of this endearing bird. Specifically, I was interested in detecting links between genetic variation and fitness traits of the kākāpō, and in using this information to help derive an optimal strategy for its conservation. I first joined the pioneer of kākāpō genetics, Associate Professor Bruce Robertson, at Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand, to work on the genomes of all living kākāpō. By now, genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-genome sequencing data of all adult birds is available; the whole genomes were made available by the Kākāpō 125+ project, a very ambitious initiative run by the Kākāpō Recovery Programme ost endangered species are on the brink of extinction for many and the Māori iwi Ngāi Tahu with Maffected by a major loss of decades, mainly due to introduced funding organised by the Genetic genetic diversity. This further predators and habitat loss. Fewer Rescue Foundation. increases their vulnerability by than 200 remaining birds now We started by quantifying the genetic leading to lower adaptive potential inhabit three predator-free islands diversity of the current kākāpō and resilience to environmental managed by the New Zealand population, and in an on-going fluctuation. The kākāpō (Strigops Department of Conservation. The collaboration, we are investigating habroptilus), a flightless parrot species’ genetic background can the associations between genetic endemic to New Zealand, has been provide crucial information to variation and phenotypic traits

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by applying machine learning and statistical methodology. This I am very grateful to the Genetics Society investigation will allow us to for awarding me a Heredity Fieldwork explore how genetics contribute to the kākāpō’s fitness, fertility and Grant. This scientific visit has provided disease susceptibility, and how inbreeding affects these traits. Using me with invaluable insights into information on genetic relatedness of the individuals and presence of conservation genomics and fieldwork highly heterogeneous regions in their genome, we can prioritize individuals Whilst both the genomic and with its particular traits and in a breeding programme aimed at fieldwork have been fascinating, behaviour whilst emphasizing the increasing the total genetic diversity it was a highlight for me to meet importance of nature conservation. of the population. Further, we can Gulliver, a male kākāpō with rare and Without spoiling anything the use genetic data to understand the hence invaluable genes. I will also prospects for the birds look very susceptibility to the cloacitis disease never forget how it feels to spend the good. This breeding season has that plagues the kākāpō population. night alone in the untouched nature been the most successful since the In addition to gaining a better of Whenua Hou, only a few meters beginnings of the kākāpō recovery understanding of the disease and away from a kākāpō nest whilst efforts so far. possible treatments, this knowledge monitoring a female bird’s wellbeing However, the species is far from being will inform conservation decisions and listening to the unique deep saved. So what comes next? We will within the Kākāpō Recovery ‘booming’ call of the male birds out generate a comprehensive genotype- Programme of the Department of in the woods. phenotype catalogue of the entire Conservation. The collaboration The overarching aim of this work is kākāpō population, and transform with the Robertson lab has been very to bring an entire species back from this complex data into a form useful successful; I was able to apply my the brink of extinction, and keep it for management decisions to assist skills in computational biology and alive to amaze future generations the recovery of the kākāpō in the simultaneously learned a lot about next decades. I am certain that, as a approaches specific to ecological forerunner in genomic conservation genomics. efforts, the Kākāpō Recovery I was then given the privilege of Programme will inform future joining Dr Andrew Digby and the conservation projects, providing Kākāpō Recovery Programme in guidelines on how genomics can be their fieldwork on this rare species leveraged to support conservation. on Whenua Hou, one of the kākāpō’s I am very grateful to the Genetics last island refuges. Here, I was able Society for awarding me a Heredity to understand the practicalities Fieldwork Grant. This scientific of conservation work, and assess visit has not only provided me with the applicability of findings from invaluable insights into conservation genomics research to conservation genomics and fieldwork in relation in the field. I was involved in various to the kākāpō, but has also allowed parts of the management work, me to initiate genomics research on and was very lucky to be allowed another critically endangered bird in to study the during one kākāpō New Zealand, the takahē, that I will of its rare breeding seasons. This prospectively carry out during my meant that in addition to the usual first postdoctoral placement. kākāpō fieldwork, exciting projects involving artificial insemination, egg incubation and chick hand-rearing were happening every day.

www.genetics.org.uk . 39 HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANT REPORT 40

Adaptive evolution in an island endemic bird: identifying genetic signatures of selection and environmentally important phenotypes

Claudia Anne Martin . University of East Anglia

scale differences in ecological communities, island topography, pathogens, anthropogenic factors and climate, result in a unique combination of selection pressures across this species’ range. Interestingly, variation in these selection pressures appears stronger among island populations within archipelagos than between archipelagos, potentially driving patterns of local adaptation. Infectious disease and parasites pose a major challenge to wild populations, often exerting strong fitness costs to infected individuals by reducing reproductive success and survival. Avian malaria and pox appear to exert considerable selection pressure on the Berthelot’s haracterising evolution at the to extinction. It is therefore of pipit. Abundance of these pathogens Cgenetic level is fundamental conservation concern to understand varies substantially and across to our understanding of how what factors maintain and promote the archipelagos, with infection populations adapt in response to their biodiversity. As well as being prevalence up to 65% for malaria changing ecological pressures. As we extremely biodiverse, oceanic islands and 54% for pox in some populations, face an elevated rate of biodiversity provide replicated, ecologically whilst other islands have no loss globally, largely due to changes variable populations across which we confirmed cases of infection over in climate and habitat degradation, it can study adaptation and speciation several years. is becoming increasingly important in the wild. We have previously identified fine- to understand what drives species The Berthelot’s pipit, Anthus scale environmental predictors of to adapt to changing selection berthelotii, is a small passerine malaria infection, and TLR and pressures. endemic to the North Atlantic MHC immune gene variation, across Islands provide unique and archipelagos of Madeira, Selvagens several populations. However, this biodiverse landscapes, with high and Canary Islands where selection approach focussed on only a few loci, proportions of endemic species pressures vary substantially both ignoring the huge range of genes that which are particularly vulnerable within and between islands. Fine- play a role in the immune system

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and other traits that may be under Islands provide unique and biodiverse selection across these populations. To further investigate adaptation landscapes, with high proportions of endemic across these populations my project species which are particularly vulnerable has focussed on applying a genome scan approach to identify signatures to extinction. It is therefore of conservation of selection, to determine traits of concern to understand what factors maintain adaptive importance across these populations in the wild. During April and promote their biodiversity. 2019, using funds generously given by a Heredity Fieldwork Grant, I was able to collect many additional samples from across Lanzarote, where there is a north to south habitat gradient and high prevalence of disease recorded in 2006 and 2009. Work in this area was conducted with permit permissions from Gobierno de Canarias with kind help from Juan Carlos Illera, Oviedo University. Berthelot’s pipits were caught across the island using baited spring traps. Despite the presence of a tasty worm, it was surprisingly hard to get the birds to take the bait! Locally the pipit is known as “the running man”, as they prefer running along the ground than flying short distances. Using this behaviour to our advantage, we worked out that slowly herding the birds near to the traps and then letting them stumble across data for many individuals across and new possibilities for my the food had the greatest chance divergent populations of the pipit. research. I would also like to thank of success. We were able to collect Together, these data provide a higher my fellow pipit herders; master’s morphometric data for the 83 birds density of molecular markers and student Jean-Charles De Coriolis sampled, along with blood samples, number individuals which allow us to (and for wonderful pictures), for DNA sequencing, and faecal control for the effects of demography volunteer Eleanor Sheppard and my and pox lesion samples for disease when looking for selection. With this supervisors Prof David Richardson screening. At UEA, I have been increased statistical power, I will be and Dr Lewis Spurgin for their conducting sexing and malaria PCRs able to identify genetic signatures training and ongoing support, and to determine the disease prevalence of selection to infer traits that are my PhD funders EnvEast and UEA. in the population. Initial laboratory important for adaptation across these Finally, I am hugely thankful for all results suggest that there may be an wild populations in greater detail the hard work of past pipit students, increase in malaria infection across than has previously been possible. Catalina González-Quevedo and this population over time. I would like to thank the Genetics Claire Armstrong, whose research We now have large sample sizes to Society for kindly funding this has provided the foundation for this allow me to combine whole-genome fieldwork which has already project. re-sequence data with RAD-sequence provided some exciting results

www.genetics.org.uk . 41 HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANT REPORT 42

The range expansion of a warm water hermit crab to the UK from Europe

Christophe Patterson . University of Exeter

mean its appearance is unlikely to have gone unnoticed for long. Thus, the 2016 resurgence is likely a genuine colonisation event. The species has been nick-named the St Piran’s crab, after the patron saint of Cornwall who was supposedly washed up on the coast of Cornwall in the 5th Century. In 2016, recordings of the species occurred across the coastline seemly all at once, which makes its appearance different from other organisms that have colonised the UK. Most have been translocated by humans actively or by accident. These, such as the Pacific oyster and the seaweed Sargassum, appeared at a single site close to an area of intensive human activity then spread outwards. The reappearance of C. erythropus at n recent decades, species have did make a short appearance in the multiple sites, all at once, indicates Ibegun shifting their ranges away UK in the 1960s but was wiped out by that the species has colonised the from the equator and towards the the Torrey-canyon oil spill with only UK by the natural transportation of poles. This is due to the changing a few individuals surviving at two larvae from further south. climate brought on by the increased unaffected sites. Apparently unable to concentration of CO2 in the reproduce or sustain the population, C. erythropus may be an exciting atmosphere and the oceans and those remaining disappeared new addition to the UK’s rocky has the potential to have profound sometime around the 1980s. shore, but it could also have an impact on the UK’s native hermit impacts on ecosystems across the However, in 2016 the species world. crab, Pagurus bernhardus: the two reappeared across the south-west of compete for empty gastropod shells Species may begin interacting with the UK, in Cornwall and Devon. which they both use for protection novel competitors or be freed from C. erythropus’ is notably different against predators and desiccation. conflict as other species disappear. from the other species of hermit crab The recent arrival of C. erythropus One such species that is range found in the rockpools of the UK. may therefore suggest we should expanding northwards is the warm It is rusted red, with electric blue seek to understand species changes water hermit crab Clibanarius highlights on its legs and claws. These on the UK’s rocky shore. How rapidly erythropus. This species lives claws are equally sized, opposed to we can expect the UK’s rocky shore throughout the Mediterranean other UK hermit crabs which are community structure to change due Sea, as well as southwards down to asymmetrical. These distinctive to climate-driven colonisations will Morocco and northwards to the coast features, its high density at some sites, largely be determined by how often of Brittany in France. The species and its behaviour of “sunbathing” and easily colonisation events can

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walking legs can be removed. Each hermit crab can then be placed in a Tupperware box with a collection of new empty shells for it to choose from. They quickly take these up with only a few having to be encouraged to move into more appropriately sized shells. I have now returned to the UK and over the next few months will begin working in the laboratory in order to start DNA extraction. COI sequences will be extracted from the muscle tissue of the pereopods by high salt isolation. I would like to thank my supervisor and co-supervisor, Dr Regan Early and Dr Chris Lowe, for their ongoing guidance with the project. As well the continued support of Dr Chris Laing who has continued to provide invaluable support for project beyond my undergraduate dissertation. With the kind support of the Genetics society, I hope that this work will expand our knowledge of how the UK’s biodiversity will begin to change over the next few decades.

occur. Therefore, discovering where (the most likely source of Cornwall’s In the interests of space, only the source population of C. erythropus C. erythropus population) and, this 3 reports have been selected larvae arrived from will allow us to April, I spent two weeks travelling for inclusion in the newsletter, understand and potentially predict from Roscoff, southwards along the however contributions were how climate change will bring more coast, towards Lorient. also received from: species to the UK’s rocky shore. There I was able to visit the Parc • Kate Allberry Over the past year, I have been Naturel Régional d’Armorique, Pointe (University of Kent) - Assessing working to create the geographic du Raz, and other coastal bays and genetic connectivity of apex phylogeny of C. erythropus by peninsulas searching for the species. predators in Peninsular Malaysia conducting fieldwork in the UK With the sun shining (nearly) every and from requesting samples from • Joshua Lynton-Jenkins day I was able to find the hermit crabs (University of Exeter) - Emerging across Europe. This is with the aim to at all the sites I visited. Sampling discover the approximate spawning diseases in the iconic birds of can be done non-lethally by cracking Galápagos location for the UK’s population. open the hermit crabs’ shell using a With generous financial help from bench vice. This leaves the hermit the Genetics society I was able to crab exposed, if a little startled, and expand my fieldwork to Brittany the lower two segments of one of its

www.genetics.org.uk . 43 TRAINING GRANTS 44

The Genetics Society Training Grants are available to enable members to go on short training courses in the area of Genetics research. In this issue, we have reports from Beatrice Landoni and Madeleine Aase-Remedios on how they found their training course experiences.

Assembly and Annotation of Genomes Workshop

Beatrice Landoni . University of Portsmouth

objectives is to produce tools to work with this species, in particular, genomic tools. To answer my genomic dilemmas, I flew to Berlin on a windy February day, ready to take part to a genome assembly workshop organized by Physalia Courses. The instructor, Dr. Thomas D. Otto, and his assistant, Max Driller, had a very pragmatic and insightful approach to dealing with genomic data that I will do my best to summarize. During the 5 days’ workshop, we repeatedly heard that the final assembly quality you should aim for depends on your research question, the amount of money and time you have, and the type of genome you ince the rise of Next Generation asking myself these questions are going to handle. It seems like SSequencing, sequencing costs since I received 96 chloroplast common sense, but when you have have decreased while sequencing genomes to assemble and analyze. a genomic puzzle to solve, it is soon throughput has considerably My project involves describing clear how easy is to fall in the trap increased, making genomic data flowering time variation in Linum of pursuing perfection. The right more accessible to the scientific bienne, a species found across the question to ask is, instead: when is community. From sequencing of Mediterranean basin, the Atlantic it good enough? short and long reads, to HiC and coasts of Europe and the near Everything starts with the goal methylome, today we have many East. With its wide distribution, L. of your study. If interested in a ways to navigate nuclear and bienne is an ideal model to study phylogeny for example, it may be organellar genomes. But what adaptation and plasticity in the enough to have a draft assembly is best? And how to deal with context of environmental variations. with good coverage and resolved for the -overwhelming - amount of This species is also the closest complex regions, while if interested genomic data we produce? What wild relative of flax or linseed (L. in genome architecture, more should we watch out for, when usitatissimum), but despite this, it time could go for the assembly assembling a genome? I have been is poorly described. One of my PhD’s and combination of different data

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types. In fact, also relevant is the efforts, which may send you back for 5 days. In the end, were able to sequencing technology you choose to the start. During the course, assemble, reap apart, and annotate to read through your genome. Using it was underlined many times genomes of all sorts and come up long reads may be quite expensive that different types of data and with interesting interpretations of but using short reads may result assemblers have their limitations. different datasets made available in spending more time trying to Using visualization tools can help during the course by the instructors solve low complexity and repetitive a great deal to understand what is or by the participants themselves. genomic regions. Said this, having good and bad in your assembly and Thanks to Thomas and Max, high quality data and good coverage why. we could quickly learn complex is what matters the most and this Lastly, if your university has a concepts and processes, but also depends on the raw samples and the computer cluster, you do not need have a laugh together. The team lab work. a powerful computer for most of behind Physalia Courses made us Then, there is an ocean of tools your bioinformatics work. Another feel welcome with unmissable coffee dedicated to mapping and the alternative is to pay for a temporary and by organizing a great poster assembly of genomes and you account on an online server. session with wine at the beginning have to find the ones that work for Renting processing power may be of the course. This was not the you. This means spending many more convenient than buying a only time we had the chance to hours on: 1) wrangling with the good computer, depending on the relax and chat. Among the course installation of more or less obscure amount of time you will dedicate to participants there were people from tools via the command line with bioinformatics during your project. many different backgrounds and the certainty that you will step into nationalities and it was great to There were many fun presentations, learn about their projects in front many error messages; 2) comparing practical exercises, and group- the suitability of different programs of a pint of beer at the end of an work ending with brief talks that intense day in a Berlin bar. with your data; 3) finally trying occupied the circa 30 participants to interpret the output of your

Bioinformatics course in Leeds, hosted by the Next-Generation Biologists

Madeleine Aase-Remedios . University of St. Andrew’s

his course was perfectly timed on in my research, which means I particular language or environment Tfor the start of my analysis, and I will hopefully carry on this good and showed us how to access the was able to immediately apply what I practice throughout my career. array of available tools for the exact learned to my research. More concretely, I learned how to or similar tasks we were trying to do. One of the most important things use the shell and R, with which I The organizers also gave us the I learned was how easy code is to had some experience, but through opportunity to bring in a problem make reproducible. As a fledgling this course, I gained a greater from our projects to work on. This scientist, one of my concerns is that appreciation for the many things was really beneficial since we could I will make mistakes that may affect that are possible using these tools. ask people who are currently working my results, but with the ability to Perhaps the most useful aspect on projects similar to ours at a high use scripts and record everything I of this course was learning how calibre. For instance, I was trying to do, as well as make sure I apply the to create or find new tools. The run reciprocal BLASTs between a same procedure to all of my data. I instructors made sure to show us protein database I have locally, and have implemented this practice early that we were not restricted to a the entire human RefSeq protein TRAINING GRANTS 46

Many of us are tentative and unsure about what we’re doing, but this workshop gave us not only a good starting point, but also a built our confidence in our work, as we now know that there are other people working through the same things that we are. database. The size of each of these are at the same very early stage in know that there are other people prohibited me from using the NCBI their research from several different working through the same things web server for BLAST searches, and I universities in the UK. Though that we are. was at a loss figuring out how to run we are all applying bioinformatics The ability to travel down to Leeds my searches locally. With the help to different projects, including for this workshop, meet the other of one of the organizers, I was able phylogenetics, statistics, and attendees as well as the organisers to work through this and develop a genomics, we all share a common who have already helped me, and workflow based specifically on my interest. learn some new skills that will be aims but building on the various Many of us are tentative and unsure vital in my future research was other similar programs other people about what we’re doing, but this really rewarding, and was only made have written. workshop gave us not only a good possible with this grant. Lastly, it was rewarding to work starting point, but also a built our with other young researchers who confidence in our work, as we now

In the interests of space, only two reports have been selected for inclusion in the newsletter, however contributions were also received from:

• Elena Bernabeu Gomez • Erandi Bonillas • Joana Viana (The Roslin Institute, University of (Durham University) - Introductory (University of Exeter) - Chromatin Edinburgh) - Advanced Python for population genomics: from data to Structure and Function course Biologists inference by Physalia courses in organised by the Wellcome Genome Berlin Campus • Pro Chatzikyriakou (King’s College London) - • Giuseppe Silvestri • Michaela Agapiou collaborative visit to Prof Kate (University of Kent) - Bovine (University of Leeds) - Drosophila Nathanson at University of IVEP Training Course held at the Genetics and Genomics organised Pennsylvania University of Copenhagen by the Wellcome Genome Campus

• Catherine Doust • Lengxob Yong • Nayeli Escudero-Castelan (University of Edinburgh) - (University of Exeter) - (Queen Mary University of London) International Statistical Genetics Bioinformatics for Genomics course - Genomic Data Visualization and workshop at the Institute for in Edinburgh Interpretation, Physalia Courses Behavioral Genetics in Colorado

46 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 47 SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS

These reports are from undergraduate students who the Genetic Society, in collaboration with the publication Genes and Development, has funded (up to £2350) to provide financial support for the acquisition of research experience in any area of genetics by carrying out a research project over the long vacation. Students are required to attend a 4 day meeting in Edinburgh, providing an opportunity for all students to get together, discuss their findings, make new friends and start to develop their professional contact network. Further information on how to apply for these grants can be found in the Grant Schemes section of the newsletter or on the Genetics Society website. In this issue, we have a report from Bethan Hill (University of Leicester) on her experiences at the 2018 meeting.

Bethan Hill . University of Leicester

ast summer I had a placement the society. She spoke very openly We also had a team debate session, Lin Dr Hammond’s lab at about the highs and lows of a PhD, in which each team was given one the University of Leicester. My not only from her point of view but of four statements and were told to funding for the project came from also those of her friends who had argue for or against it. This, as you the Genetics Society and, along had very different experiences. I can imagine, was an interesting and with the other project students found her talk particularly useful at times fiery session, but it was a who received funding this year, I because she is much closer to the good exercise which made us think presented my work at a conference current stage of my career and I about the issues within science and in Edinburgh (27th August to the was also very impressed by her how these fit into the wider world. 30th August 2018). openness of mentioning the possible For me the biggest highlight of this I travelled up to Edinburgh very effect a PhD can have on mental conference was meeting the other early on bank holiday Monday, health. students from all over the world! whilst you were probably enjoying I think this is an area people often I’m a very sociable person and I a lie in, and arrived at the Institute gloss over and it’s so important we love meeting new people, especially of Genetics and Molecular Medicine keep this discussion open! students from other Universities in time for lunch. What about the student talks? I studying similar degrees to me. It The format of the conference was was blown away by the quality was good to have the opportunity to that each day different project of the projects and presentations practise networking, but above that students would give a short talk (including the Q&A after) by I enjoyed being with a lovely group about their individual project everyone who participated in the of people who were all at the same and we also had various lectures workshop. I enjoyed giving mine stage of their career as myself. from the academics and the PhD and was pleased that I had quite Not only that but the conference student hosting the conference. I a few people come up after to ask gave me the chance to see some of found these very interesting and me about my project. It was really Edinburgh, it is a very beautiful and it was a really great to hear from good to have people genuinely very interesting city, which I intend to several leading scientists with very interested in what I was doing and visit again! different experiences. One of the also to have the opportunity to ask I can’t stress enough what an talks was given by Dr Kat Arney, people about the areas of genetic invaluable experience this summer who spoke about her change of research that I haven’t had much has been for me and I would just direction from research into science exposure to. I also think I learnt like to thank the Genetics Society communication and journalism. a lot about what makes a good (especially the academics and Another was given by Prof. Alison presentation and what makes a Helena Wells who were at the Woollard, in which she spoke about great presentation from watching conference) and Dr Hammond for her journey to PI and how personal others, which will be useful for this opportunity. life can shape the decisions you the next time I give a presentation make on this path. I was very like this. This will probably be my I’ve definitely learnt a lot and it’s impressed by, and would really like dissertation presentation, which given me a lot of useful knowledge to highlight, Helena Wells’ talk - will have a lot more pressure, so I’m for my final year lab project. she is the PhD representative for glad I’ve had this chance to practise.

www.genetics.org.uk . 47 GRANTS SCHEMES 48

To apply for any of our grant schemes, instructions and downloadable funding application forms are available from the drop down Funding tab on the Genetics Society website www.genetics.org.uk

One-off Meeting Sponsorship Purpose: Sponsorship of genetic research meetings not organised by the Genetics Society. The Genetics Society receives several requests from members each year to sponsor meetings in the field of genetics. These meetings are usually one-off meetings with an ad hoc organising committee and may be partly sponsored by another Society. The guidelines below indicate a review process for applications and the conditions that must be met for the award of Genetics Society sponsorship.

Review of applications: 1) Members may make applications at any time visiting the following website:http://gensoc.fluidreview.com/ 2) The application will be circulated to the full committee for review. The review will cover suitability of the meeting for Genetics Society sponsorship and level of support requested. 3) The committee will be asked to respond within two weeks and the Society aims to respond to requests within four weeks.

Conditions of sponsorship: 4) Several levels of sponsorship are possible: (a) single lecture: £200 (b) session: £500-1000 (c) major sponsor: £1500-2000. 5) Genetics Society sponsorship must be mentioned in all pre-meeting publicity (e.g. posters, flyers, website) and in the meeting programme. If the Genetics Society is the major sponsor, the meeting should be advertised as a “Genetics Society-sponsored meeting”. 6) Details of the program of the meeting and registration forms should be sent as far in advance as possible to [email protected], for inclusion in the Society’s newsletter and on the website. 7) A short report on a meeting that receives sponsorship of £1000 or more, for possible publication in the newsletter and on the website, should be sent to [email protected] within one month of the conference taking place. 8) Genetics Society sponsorship may be used at the organiser’s discretion, but budget travel and accommodation options should normally be insisted upon. Any unused grant should be returned to the Genetics Society. The Society will not be responsible for any losses incurred by the meeting organisers. 9) An invoice for the grant awarded should be submitted to [email protected]. The grant may be claimed in advance of the meeting and no longer than one month after the meeting. 10) The meeting organisers agree to make details of how to apply for Genetics Society membership available to non- members attending the sponsored meeting. Meetings that receive maximum sponsorship will be expected to offer a discounted registration fee to Genetics Society members to encourage non-members to join the Society at the same time. New members may then attend at the discounted rate, once confirmation of their application for membership of the Genetics Society has been received from the Society’s Office. 11) A brief statement, indicating how you have addressed the diversity guidelines or explain why you could not conform to the guidelines will be required. Appropriate representation of women as invited Speakers is required, and will be monitored by the Society. Organizers must ensure a good balance between established and new investigators on the Speaker list and ensure that there is an attempt for broad geographical representation where possible.

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New Sectional Interest Groups Purpose: Regular sponsorship of genetic research meetings on particular themes. Regular (e.g. annual) funding is available for genetics research communities who wish to run regular series of meetings. Current examples include the South West Fly Group, E-ACGT (Edinburgh Alliance for Complex Trait Genetics), POP Group (Population Genetics Group) and the C. elegans Group. Members may submit New Sectional Interest Group (SIG) applications at any time of the year, and we encourage submissions at least three months in advance of the proposed event to allow the application to be reviewed. Applications will be sent to the Scientific Meetings Secretary for review at the end of each month. The application will be circulated to the full committee for review. The review will cover suitability of the meeting for Genetics Society sponsorship and level of support requested. The committee will be asked to respond within two weeks and the Society aims to respond to requests within four – six weeks. 1) The sponsorship of the Genetics Society must be mentioned in all pre-meeting publicity (e.g. posters, flyers, website). It should also be acknowledged in the meeting programme booklet. It is understood that wherever possible, the meeting should be advertised as ‘A Genetics Society Meeting’. However, where the Society’s financial contribution support is only partial, and where this formula of words would conflict with the interests of other sponsors, it is acceptable for the meeting to be advertised as a ‘Genetics Society-Sponsored Meeting’. 2) Details of the programme of the meeting should be made available to all Genetics Society members via the Society’s newsletter, and an electronic copy should be sent as far in advance as possible to the newsletter editor, at the latest by the advertised copy date for the newsletter preceding the close of registrations for the meeting. The same details will appear on the Genetics Society website. This information should include the programme of speakers, the topics to be covered, plus details of how to register for the meeting. If the meeting is advertised on the Internet, then a link to the Genetics Society website (www.genetics.org.uk) should be included. 3) A report on the meeting, once it has taken place, should be submitted for publication in the newsletter, which is the official record of the Society’s activities. This should be sent as soon as possible after the meeting to [email protected], and should include brief factual information about it (where and when it took place, how many people attended and so on), together with a summary of the main scientific issues covered. 4) Genetics Society funds may be used to support speaker travel, accommodation, publicity or any other direct meeting costs, at the organizers’ discretion. It is understood that budget travel and accommodation options will normally be insisted upon. Any unused funds should be returned to the Society. The Society will not be liable for any financial losses incurred by the meeting organizers. Any profits should be retained solely for the support of similar, future meetings, as approved by the Society. 5) A written invoice for the agreed amount of Genetics Society sponsorship should be forwarded to theteam@ genetics.org.uk, no later than one month after the meeting date. Funds may be claimed in advance of the meeting, as soon as the amount of support has been notified in writing. 6) Meeting organizers may levy a registration charge for attendance at the meeting as they see fit. However, it is understood that Genetics Society members will be offered a substantial discount, so as to encourage non- members wishing to attend to join the Society at the same time. The meeting organizers agree to make available to non-member registrants full details of how to apply for Genetics Society membership, such as appear on the website and in the newsletter, and may charge such persons the same registration fee as charged to members, upon confirmation from the Society’s Office that their application and remittance or direct debit mandate for membership fees has been received. 7) The meeting organizers are free to apply to other organizations for sponsorship of the meeting, as they see fit. However, organizations whose policies or practices conflict with those of the Genetics Society should not be approached. In cases of doubt, the officers of the Genetics Society should be consulted for advice. 8) If the meeting is advertised on the Internet a link to the Genetics Society website (www.genetics.org.uk) should be included.

www.genetics.org.uk . 49 GRANT SCHEMES 50

New Sectional Interest Groups (continued)

9) For those groupings holding their first such meeting with Genetics Society support, it is understood that the Society’s support for future meetings of the series will be decided on the basis of the success of the first meeting, including adherence to all of the conditions listed above. The first meeting is hence supported on a pilot basis only. 10) The meeting organizers will nominate a responsible person who will liaise with the Genetics Society on all matters relating to the meeting, and whose contact details will be supplied to the Society’s Office. This person will inform the Society if he/she resigns or passes on his/her responsibility for the meeting or series to another person, whose contact details shall also be supplied. 11) A brief statement, indicating how you have addressed the diversity guidelines or explain why you could not conform to the guidelines will be required. Appropriate representation of women as invited Speakers is required, and will be monitored by the Society. Organizers must ensure a good balance between established and new investigators on the Speaker list and ensure that there is an attempt for broad geographical representation where possible. Junior Scientist Grants

Purpose: To support attendance at genetics research meetings by junior scientists. In this section, junior scientists are defined as graduate students and postdoctoral scientists within two years of their PhD viva. The scheme has two main streams: (A) to support attendance at meetings organised directly by the Genetics Society or sponsored by the Society as a Sectional Interest Group; and (B) to support attendance at non-Genetics Society meetings.

Eligibility Criteria: These grants are open to members with a UK base wishing to attend conferences outwith the UK and to non-UK- based members wishing to attend a conference in the UK. We regret that we cannot consider applications from bases outside the UK for conference attendance outside the UK. Scheme (A) is open to undergraduate, Masters and PhD students and to postdoctoral scientists within three years of their PhD viva. Scheme (B) is open to PhD students and postdoctoral scientists within three years of their PhD viva (but not undergraduate or Masters students). (Scientists who obtained their PhD more than three years ago are not eligible for these schemes.) Supervisors providing support letters must be current members of the Genetics Society and should include their membership number in the supporting letter. This supporting letter must be uploaded along with the online application before the deadline. Grant recipients will be asked to write a short report that may be published in the Genetics Society Newsletter. A maximum of one grant per two years will be awarded per applicant. Scheme A - Grants to assist with travel and accommodation (but not registration) costs to attend Genetics Society or Sectional Interest Group meeting. Grants up to £150 are available for travel and essential overnight accommodation to attend any of the Genetics Society’s own bi-annual meetings and those of our Sectional Interest Groups. The most economic form of travel should be used. For Genetics Society and Sectional Interest Group meetings, applications should be submitted online before the registration deadline of the meeting. ADDITIONALLY, the Genetics Society has, in 2018, introduced a limited number of bursaries to allow those with carer responsibilities to arrange for cover to allow them to attend Genetics Society Scientific and Sectional Interest Group meetings. These can be accessed via the grant application form and must be justified.

50 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 GRANT SCHEMES 51

Junior Scientist Grants (continued)

Scheme B - Travel, accommodation and registration cost at other (non-Genetics Society) meetings. Grants of up to £750 are available to attend conferences in the area of Genetics other than Genetics Society or Sectional Interest meetings. Applications should be submitted in time for one of our bi-monthly deadlines (1st day of February, April, June, August, October and December) and should be made by logging into your membership account. Note that the conference you are applying for must take place AFTER the application deadline. Up to three Conference grants per year will be co-sponsored by the Galton Institute and will provide up to £1,000. Applicants for a prestigious Galton co-sponsored award should request between £750 and £1,000 in support and explain how their work conforms to the mission of the Galton Institute. The Galton co-sponsored award is only open to registered PhD students who will take up the award before their PhD graduation date. If unsuccessful for the Galton co-sponsored award, applications will be automatically considered for a standard stream B grant for which a maximum of £750 can be awarded.

Training Grants

Purpose: To support attendance at short training courses.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to enable members to go on short training courses in the area of Genetics research, e.g. those run by Edinburgh Genomics and Wellcome Genome Campus. In some cases, longer courses or visiting another laboratory for training may be allowed. Eligible expenses include travel, accommodation, subsistence and tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria: • A maximum of one Training grant per individual per two years will be awarded. • Only one application from any research group will be funded in any one year. • Open to those with a UK base wishing to attend training courses outwith the UK and to non-UK-based students wishing to attend a training course in the UK. We regret that we cannot consider applications from bases outside the UK for training course attendance outside the UK. • When a relevant course is available in the UK, a detailed explanation is required of why the applicant should be funded to attend a similar/the same course abroad. • Recipients of these grants must submit a short report within two months of completion of the project, for possible inclusion in the Genetics Society newsletter.

How to apply: Applications should be made online via the Genetics Society Grants application site. Deadlines are quarterly (5th February, 15th May, 15th July, 15th November). A supporting statement from the applicant’s supervisor, who must be a current member of the Genetics Society, should be uploaded via the online application form before the quarterly deadline. However, if the applicant is a named investigator (PI or Co-I), this is not necessary. The Genetics Society aims to notify the decision within one month of applications. Applicants are advised to submit applications at the earliest opportunity, and at least 3 months in advance of the start date of training. We regret that feedback on unsuccessful applications is not available.

www.genetics.org.uk . 51 GRANT SCHEMES 52

Heredity Fieldwork Grants

Purpose: To supporting field-based genetic research and training. Grants of up to £1,500 are available to cover the travel and accommodation costs associated with pursuing a field- based genetic research project or to visit another laboratory for training. The research field should be one from which results would typically be suitable for publication in the Society’s journal Heredity. The scheme is not intended to cover the costs of fieldworkers other than the applicant, to cover the costs of salaries for those engaged in fieldwork, or to fund attendance at conferences. However, equipment necessary for carrying out fieldwork may be covered (within reason).

Criteria for Eligibility: • All students are eligible to apply for this grant immediately after they join the Genetics Society. • Other applicants (i.e. PI’s and Co-I’s) must have been members of the Genetics Society for at least one year before applications can be accepted. • Although Heredity Fieldwork Grants are primarily targeted at post-graduate students, in exceptional circumstances we will consider applications from students who are required to complete a fieldwork study in their final undergraduate, or MSc by Research year. • Applicants other than PI’s and Co-I’s are required to submit a supporting letter from their supervisor who should be a current Genetics Society member. • A maximum of one Heredity Fieldwork Grant per individual per two years will be awarded. • Only one application per research group will be funded in any one year. • The applicant must be completing the fieldwork themselves. • Recipients of these grants must submit a short report within two months of completion of the project that may be included in the GS newsletter. • These grants are open to those with a UK base wishing to undertake fieldwork outwith the UK and to non-UK- based students wishing to undertake fieldwork in the UK. We regret that we cannot consider applications from bases outside the UK for field studies outside the UK.

How to apply: Applications should be made online via the Genetics Society Grants application site. Deadlines are quarterly (1st February, 1st May, 1st August, 1st November). Applicants are advised to submit applications at the earliest opportunity, and at least 3 months in advance of the start date of the fieldwork. We regret that feedback on unsuccessful applications is not available. The Heredity Fieldwork Grant is funded by income from the journal Heredity.

52 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 GRANT SCHEMES 53

Genes and Development Summer Studentships

Purpose: To support vacation research by undergraduate geneticists. Grants are available to provide financial support for undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience in any area of genetics by carrying out a research project over the long vacation, usually prior to their final year.

Awards will be made to the host institution. The studentship comprises: • up to £750 to cover justifiable expenses incurred by the host laboratory • £200 per week for up to 8 weeks to cover student subsistence during the studentship The student must be able to attend a workshop that will take place in Edinburgh from 26-29th August 2019, providing an opportunity for all students to get together, discuss their findings, make new friends and start to develop their professional contact network. Undergraduate students who wish to do vacation research projects are encouraged to seek a PI to sponsor them and to develop a project application with the sponsor.

Qualifying criteria: • The project should be realistic and achievable by a student within an eight-week time frame for completion prior to the last week in August. • Applications must be made by Principal Investigators (PI) at Universities or Research Institutes, NOT by the named student. • Please note that only one application per lab group / per applicant may be submitted. • The application must be for a named undergraduate student, preferably from another institute or university, and is not transferable. • Both the PI and the named student must be members of the Genetics Society. • Extension of honours projects or early starts for PhD students are not eligible. • Recipients cannot hold these awards in conjunction with other summer studentships, i.e. summer studentships cannot be used to part-fund a project. • There are no restrictions concerning the nationality of the student, and the student does not have to attend a UK university, nor does the studentship need to take place within the UK. • Students must be available to participate in the summer school that will take place in Oxford at the beginning of September 2020. • Students will be asked to write a short report (around 800 words) within two months of completion of the project that may be included in the newsletter.

Applications MUST include the following: • project outline • project plan (including student training needs) • student CV • student statement • reference letters

How to apply: • There is one closing date of 5pm on 31st March each year. • Applications open 1st January 2020.

www.genetics.org.uk . 53 GRANT SCHEMES 54

Public Engagement Grants Grants are available to members of the Genetics Society to cover costs associated with travel and materials for public engagement activities relevant to Genetics.

A two-tier system is in operation, allowing both small and larger scale projects to be assessed: Applications for Tier 1 will be considered for small activities, costing up to £1000. Applications for Tier 2 will be considered for larger activities, costing from £1-5000.

Successful applicants must: • acknowledge Genetics Society support at their activity or event • feature the Genetics Society Centenary logo in any new promotional items produced The Society possesses a useful stock of publicity material (e.g. pop-up banners, leaflets) which you are welcome to use, by arrangement. Applications are currently accepted on a rolling basis and will be sent to reviewers at the start of each month for assessment. Applicants are encouraged to send their applications three months in advance of the project start date, where possible, and should normally expect to receive a decision on their application within four weeks of the application being put forward for assessment. Please note that the Society takes no responsibility for risk assessments or public liability issues related to any event or activity. These must be completed according to established practice at the host institution.

54 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 81 GENERAL INFORMATION 55

Contacting the Genetics Society

Members and potential members can If you are interested in joining the Society, if you are a current contact the Genetics Society membership member and have any queries about your membership team in the following ways: subscription, or if you would like to advise us of a change of By phone: name, address or membership 0203 793 7850 status, please contact the membership team. By email: [email protected] If you are looking for an easy way to manage your By post: membership payment and The Genetics Society, 1 Naoroji Street, London, WC1X 0GB wish to set up an annual Direct Debit, a simple form can be downloaded from the Genetics Society website at http://bit. The Genetics Society offers a wide range ly/2aLRlOF. Please complete and return the original to of benefits to its members including: the membership team by post at the address above. • Access to generous grants Postgraduate and full members paying by Direct Debit will • Discounted rates for attendance at prestigious Genetics receive a discount of £5 off their Society meetings annual fee. • A biannual newsletter via post • Free online access to the Society’s journal Heredity

Thank you for your support!

www.genetics.org.uk . 55 Heredity has a new look: a new front cover every month!

We are accepting figures/pictures/photos from authors that have their articles accepted in the journal. Please contact the editorial office to receive the details!

123 1 Heredity Jul 2019 Vol 123 No 1

www.nature.com/hdy

2017 Impact Factor: 3.872 / Rank: 31/158 Ecology / 15/49 Evolutionary Biology / 46/171 Genetics & Heredity* The offi cial journal of the Genetics Society

The offi cial journal of the Genetics Society

Editor-in-Chief: Professor Barbara K. Mable Heredity promotes scientifi c excellence within the fi eld of genetics and is committed to the rapid publication of high quality primary research papers of general interest and broad applicability. The journal is complemented by reviews, perspectives and comments covering developing areas, and Volume 12 News and Commentary articles which keep researchers and

students abreast of hot topics. 3

Areas that are covered include: • Population and human genetics Number 1 • Cell and development genetics

• Genomics • Evolutionary and quantitative genetics • Animal and plant breeding pages • Cytogenetics

1–8 0 Submit your next manuscript to Heredity and benefit from: • Wide exposure and article visibility via nature.com • Inclusion in leading abstracting and indexing services • Automated PubMed Central deposition for original research papers • Rapid decision and publication times • Open Access option available for authors • SharedIt - Springer Nature’s SharedIt content-sharing initiative allows authors and subscribers to share links to view-only, full-text articles from this journal. Learn more at: springernature.com/sharedit

Find out more: nature.com/hdy Follow the journal on Twitter! @HeredityJournal 100 years of genetics *Data is taken from the 2017 Journal Citation Reports® (Clarivate Analytics, 2018) July 201 9

100YEARS 1919 - 2019

A58517