Ulster Gene Editing Academy (UGenie)

Application Closing Date

• 1 May 2025

About UGenie

UGenie is open to all current year 13 pupils and year 1 Applied Science BTEC students (progressing to year 14 and year 2 of their courses in September 2025, respectively) who want to learn and develop laboratory skills in cutting-edge gene editing technology within a small-class setting. While open to all year 13 students, this course will be especially relevant to those studying ‘A’ levels in Biology and Life and Health Sciences, or Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Applied Science.

The online booking system for the 2025 course is now open. Application deadline is 1st May 2025. We especially welcome applications from widening access students.

UGenie Overview

Developments in ground-breaking gene editing technology have the potential to help address some of society's greatest issues in relation to healthcare and environmental sustainability. As a participant in the Academy, you will partner with academic staff, industry experts, current PhD researchers, and undergraduate student mentors in supportive and creative classroom, workshop and laboratory teaching environments.

You will learn how cutting-edge genome editing technologies are being used to produce pharmaceutical drugs and biofuels, correct disease-causing DNA in patients, and combat the deleterious effects of plastic waste, pollution and climate change on natural and agricultural settings. As a beginner genetic engineer, you will spend the week developing key laboratory skills in CRISPR gene editing using your own portable ‘all-in-one’ molecular biology workstation.

This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of genetics and biotechnology, and ignite a passion for research and scientific discovery. It will also provide you with personal insight into what studying at university is like, help you make choices about higher education, and boost your university application.

On successful completion of the course, you will graduate with a certificate of attendance. The course is free and lunch will be provided alongside a travel bursary for public transport if needed.

UGenie 2024 was a great success, with students from all over Northern Ireland attending for the week-long event. Read more about last year’s event.

Student feedback from UGenie 2024:

‘Thank you very much for taking the time to give us this amazing experience, I am glad to be part of the first group of students doing UGenie and I hope in the future I’ll get to see more…’

‘The course was amazing and very insightful’

Course Instructors: Dr Andrew McDowell; Dr Sarah Atkinson and Dr Rachelle Irwin