How training is delivered
The GTAC uses a ‘hub and spoke’ model where the central, virtual education hub supports in-person training at regional spokes – currently, the seven Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs).
Online learning will take place primarily on the learning management system Bridge, which will feature videos, lectures, courses, webinars, workshops and more. Virtual reality and other hybrid resources are also being developed in collaboration with GLH educators.
How to enrol
General enrolment will be available later this year; exact dates will be announced soon. As more resources become available in phases, some learner groups will be invited via email to participate in modules as part of their training (for example, specific year groups of the Scientist Training Programme).
GTAC learning resources
The GTAC teaching faculty is scoping out and planning education and training interventions for learners, and a number of courses and resources are already in development.
Examples of recent and upcoming packages include:
Clinical genetics SpR teachings
Online teaching sessions delivered by subject matter experts to support clinical genetics SpR training
Variant
interpretation workshops
A series of webinars and virtual workshops to complement two FutureLearn courses
Virtual reality for lab skills
A suite of immersive observational experiences for core genetic laboratory techniques
Prenatal exomes course
A blended learning opportunity with recorded knowledge-based learning and case-based workshops
Communication skills package
A cross-professional toolkit of educational resources to support ‘genomic’ communication skills
Faculty and governance
The GTAC is led by Professor Kate Tatton-Brown and comprised of:
- the teaching faculty and GLH practice educators (see below); and
- an operations team that provides administrative, editorial and e-learning support.
The project is overseen by a steering group and senior management team – you can view the governance structure here.
Bioinformatics
Sanjeev Bhaskar, professional lead
Fern Johnson, education specialist
Clinical genetics
Dr Alex Murray, professional lead
Dr Rhian Thomas, education specialist
Dr Olga Tsoulaki, education specialist
Genetic counselling
Dr Laura Boyes, professional lead
Heidy Brandon, education specialist
Laboratory
Jennie Bell, professional lead
Sarah Collier, education specialist for lab technologies
Jennifer Glauert (maternity cover for Sarah Collier)
Alison Taylor-Beadling, education specialist for lab reporting
Technology-enhanced learning
Dr Terri McVeigh, professional lead
GLH practice educators
Central and South: Anita Luharia and Jennifer Whitfield
East: Ben Moore and Francesca Tonini
North Thames: Peter Brett and Hayley Turgoose
North West: Tom Monk and Chris Watt
South East: Layla Afkhami and Julia Baptista
North East and Yorkshire: Kate Rankeillor
South West: Rebecca Lewis and Nikol Voutsina
FAQs
How and when can I sign up for the GTAC?
General enrolment will be available later this year; exact dates will be announced soon. As more resources become available in phases, some learner groups will be invited via email to participate in modules as part of their training (for example, specific year groups of the Scientist Training Programme).
Who is eligible to enrol?
The GTAC’s primary focus is learners in NHS-funded genomics training programmes as well as the wider professional genomics workforce.
Is the GTAC available internationally?
No, the GTAC is only available to eligible genomics professionals/learners within the UK.
How will the virtual reality modules work?
The GTAC’s virtual reality (VR) resources will provide a suite of virtual reality experiences for core genetic laboratory techniques. The VR modules will be delivered in two phases. The first will show techniques in immersive virtual reality via headsets throughout the genomic laboratories. Phase two will offer ‘hands-on’ virtual learning experiences.
Can I apply to work for the GTAC?
This spring/summer, the teaching faculty and operations team will be filling additional roles to support core processes, such as editorial support and educational development. The GTAC working group members will also be recruited to create and deliver specialist educational content. Any vacant roles within the GTAC will be posted on NHS Jobs.
Find out more
If you would like to receive updates about the GTAC, including new courses, vacancies and more, please sign up for the GEP newsletter. For any general queries, you can contact us.
