20.02.2026 New sequencing technologies, artificial intelligence in medicine, and single-cell data analysis are now at the core of modern biology and precision medicine. At the center of this international discussion were ICTER researchers Dr. Stefania Robakiewicz and Dr. Aleksandra Kornacka-Stackonis, who took part in The Festival of Genomics and Biodata 2026 in London.
The Festival of Genomics and Biodata is one of the largest and most recognized life science events in the United Kingdom. Each year, it brings together academic researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, data scientists, tech start-ups, patient organizations, and healthcare policymakers.
This year’s edition featured more than 250 presentations and sessions across 16 parallel thematic tracks. Key topics included cancer diagnostics, genomic medicine, single-cell technologies, epigenetics, proteomics, multi-omics, precision medicine, AI applications, and biodata management and analysis. The event has a strong translational focus, aiming to accelerate the translation of scientific and technological innovation into tangible benefits for patients.
ICTER researchers at the forefront of genomics
Dr. Stefania Robakiewicz from the ICTER Computational Genomics Group attended the festival with a focus on the latest advances in single-cell sequencing – a field that is crucial for understanding tissue heterogeneity and disease mechanisms.
“I took part in many sessions with great interest, focusing primarily on innovations in single-cell sequencing. This allowed me to meet speakers working with similar technologies and exchange experiences. The presence of biotechnology companies also allowed me to directly discuss specific challenges I encounter in my daily wet-lab practice,” said Dr. Stefania Robakiewicz.
Direct conversations with technology providers helped clarify technical aspects, rethink laboratory workflows, and identify solutions that could streamline everyday research practice.
Dr. Aleksandra Kornacka-Stackonis, also from the ICTER Computational Genomics Group, attended the festival to gain first-hand insight into current research trends and methodological developments shaping contemporary genomics and biodata science.
“In the exhibition area, many companies were present, including industry leaders such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio, offering technologies and services related to genomics, single-cell analysis, and long-read sequencing. Discussions with company representatives helped clarify technical specifications, workflow requirements, and available support. In some cases, representatives also outlined options for instrument demonstrations or special pricing that may support the evaluation of these technologies before committing to long-term use,” explained Dr. Aleksandra Kornacka-Stackonis.
She emphasized that the programme strongly focused on how to read and interpret the genome in a more precise and comprehensive way. Many presentations demonstrated that single-cell research is moving beyond niche applications and becoming a widely used tool in studies of human development, disease mechanisms, and large-scale population projects. Long-read sequencing, for example in brain tumor diagnostics, was highlighted as a powerful approach for detecting DNA changes that remain invisible to traditional short-read methods.
Strengthening ICTER’s international position
Participation in The Festival of Genomics and Biodata 2026 brings concrete benefits to ICTER: direct exchanges with researchers working on similar technologies, comparison of methodologies, insight into new sequencing solutions, and networking opportunities that may lead to future collaborations. It also provides a clearer understanding of where global genomics research is heading and which tools may be worth considering in the further development of the Institute’s research infrastructure.
