The BRIDGE Omics Programme
Welcome to the world of omics, where the intricacies of biological systems are unravelled through the lens of high-throughput data generation and analysis. In this series of three courses, we provide a structured approach to understanding biological data, starting with the basic principles of genomics and progressing to advanced techniques in multiomics analysis and systems biology.
The three courses are specifically designed to cater to postdoctoral scientists. Each course builds on the knowledge gained from the preceding one, offering a seamless progression through the layers of omics data analysis.
Through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and case studies, participants will gain a deep understanding of how omics is shaping modern biology and medicine.
Translational Discovery Omics
The first course provides a comprehensive overview of genomics, from the basic principles of DNA structure and function to advanced techniques in sequencing and data analysis. Topics covered include phenotype, genome organization, gene expression, genetic variation, and the application of genomics in areas such as personalized medicine and evolutionary biology.
In the second course, we investigate the complexities of the proteome, exploring its composition, structure, function, and dynamic regulation. Proteins are the molecular machines that drive nearly every biological process, from cell signaling and metabolism to immune response and disease progression. These concepts are illustrated through studies of the metabolome, gut virome, and bacterial microbiome.
The third course offers a comprehensive overview of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, as well as their roles in regulating gene expression, development, and disease. Various model systems commonly used in biological research are presented and participants are introduced to the principles and methodologies of systems biology, including network analysis, mathematical modeling, and high-throughput data integration. Finally, the course explores the principles and applications of precision medicine across a range of disease areas, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and rare genetic conditions.
Course practicalities
Cost, location, and materials
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The three courses are free of charge.
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Courses are held in the Mærsk Tower at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N.
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Courses are taught in English.
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Participants must bring their own laptop for the courses. Other course materials will be provided by the BRIDGE Programme.
Dates in 2025
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Welcome meeting: 7 October, 09:00-10:00
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Omics I: 3 - 5 November (3 days)
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Omics II: 24 - 26 November (3 days)
- Omics III: 8 - 10 December (3 days)
Course days are usually 09:00-16:00. Courses may have networking events in the evening. A detailed course programme will be shared about a month in advance of each course.
Preparation and exam
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Course preparation is expected for all three courses.
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Literature and information about assignments will be shared about a month in advance of each course.
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To pass a course, a participant must be present and participate actively in all course days.
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Attendance will be taken during all course days.
Limited seats
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The BRIDGE Omics Programme has a course capacity of five seats in 2025.
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Participants will follow the courses alongside enrolled BRIDGE Fellows.
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Applicants who are not offered a seat in the first round will be placed on a waiting list.
In the event of cancellations from either participants or BRIDGE Fellows, applicants on the waiting list may be offered a seat until 1 September 2025.
Join BRIDGE Omics
Formal requirements
You can apply for the BRIDGE Omics Programme if:
1. You hold:
- an MD with a PhD (Specialist training is no hindrance to applying).
or - an MSc with a PhD within a relevant discipline, such as veterinary science, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, pharmacy, dentistry, or medical engineering.
2. You obtained your PhD no more than eight years before the application deadline.*
3. You have a research project with a translational focus.
The project should cover early translational stages:
- T₀ (Disease modelling, Omics studies, Basic Research)
- T₁ (Biomarker discovery, Target development, Preclinical development).
The project may also cover early T2 (First-in-human studies, Phase 1 clinical trials, Phase 2/2b clinical trials), though this is not a requirement.
4. You hold a position at either:
- The University of Copenhagen within The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND) or The faculty of Science (SCIENCE), or
- A hospital in the Capital Region of Denmark or Region Zealand.
5. You can fully participate in the BRIDGE Omics Programme, including all nine course days and the welcome meeting.
*If you obtained your PhD more than eight years before the application deadline, you are still welcome to apply. However, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list. Should places become available, candidates will be selected from the waiting list.
Your Qualifications
The BRIDGE Omics Programme is for you if you are highly motivated to participate in the courses and eager to learn about the latest omics methods, results, and perspectives.
You should apply to the programme if you are interested in networking, collaborating with the BRIDGE Fellows and lecturers, and consider yourself an ambitious scientist committed to bridging the gaps between research, medical treatment, and/or the life science industry.
We expect that you are scientifically independent, demonstrate a high degree of academic maturity, and have:
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An enthusiastic interest in translational research.
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A specific purpose for following the courses that will support the progress of either your research project or your career in translational research (or both).
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A strong CV, with publications in high-quality journals and presentations at international conferences.
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The ability to communicate research ideas and results in a clear and logical way, as well as interact with peers and the broader research community confidently and effectively.
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Little to no experience with the topics covered in the three courses.
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A good fit with the BRIDGE Fellow cohort.
Apply for the programme
To apply for the Omics Programme, please complete the application template and submit your application via the link on the right.
The application template can be found on the right.
Your application should be submitted as a single PDF file containing:
- A motivation letter (max. 0.5 page)
- A project description (max. 1 page)
- A CV (max. 2 pages, excluding your list of publications)
- Signed approval from your employer
Upload and submit your full application via the 'APPLY' box.
You will receive an email receipt upon submission.
Questions? Contact us at bridge@sund.ku.dk
After the application deadline
Applications will be reviewed by the BRIDGE Programme Management and prioritised for the limited seats on the BRIDGE Omics Programme.
We expect to send offers of programme seats at the beginning of June 2025 (from bridge@sund.ku.dk). Applicants on the waiting list will also be notified at the beginning of June.
