In the rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics, the need for comprehensive education and hands-on training has never been more critical. OMICSS, the annual summer school program, is back with its fourth installment, OMICSS-25, uniquely designed for total beginners. Our goal is to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills in life and data sciences, preparing you for your very first bioinformatics project.
The term “OMICSS-” derives from “OMICS School” and is rooted in the suffix “omics,” which encompasses research fields such as genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and metagenomics. These disciplines strive to comprehensively capture biological information at various levels, offering insights into biological systems’ complex interactions and functions. This approach contrasts with traditional research methods that typically focus on the detailed study of individual molecules. The emergence of new sequencing technologies approximately 15 years ago has sparked a revolution in life science research. This has led to a growing demand for bioinformatics specialists with the expertise to analyze “omics” datasets.
Bioinformatics skills: Learn about cutting-edge sequencing technologies, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and the bioinformatics algorithms vital for big data analysis in genomics.
Expert Insight: Gain perspective from leading figures in the field, with invited speakers from institutes worldwide sharing their knowledge, research, and the vast array of career opportunities in bioinformatics.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and leaders, opening doors to collaborations and career advancements.
Hands-On Experience: Engage in daily learning activities and practical exercises designed to solidify your knowledge and skills.
Bioinformatics Bootcamp: The school will end in a one-week journey through your first bioinformatics project, where you and your team will analyze genomics data and present the findings to your peers and school speakers.
Pathway to Internship: Successful completion of OMICSS-25 could be your gateway to an exciting internship at ABI, offering real-world experience in the field of bioinformatics.
Anyone! OMICSS-25 is designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with prior experience. Whether you're a biologist, programmer, or completely new to bioinformatics, you’re welcome to join.
Prerequisites:
The applicants to OMICSS-25 must have
What If You’re Missing Some Knowledge?
Please note: Both the Bridge Courses and the OMICSS-25 Summer School require offline participation.
We welcome participants from all countries! However, travel and accommodation costs must be covered by individual applicants.
Are you of Armenian descent? Consider applying for Birthright Armenia! They provide:
This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Armenian culture while attending OMICSS-25!
The main summer school is an intensive, hands-on training in bioinformatics, covering:
The main program requires prerequisites. But for total beginners, we offer three bridge courses to cover any knowledge gaps before the school:
See below for details.
Tutor: Aleksey Kurnosov, PhD
Dates: February 25 - March 21
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, 7:00-8:30pm
Application Deadline: February 20
Tutor: Alisa Davtyan
Dates: March 24 - April 18
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, 7:00-8:30pm
Application Deadline: March 18
Tutor: Alisa Davtyan
Dates: April 21 - May 9
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, 7:00-8:30pm
Application Deadline: April 17
Submit your application form through the link available on each course page. The form will ask for basic information and how many bridge courses you’d like to take. Depending on the number of courses you enroll in, you will be forwarded to a section to upload your fee payment receipt. Please, note that each course costs 20,000 AMD, but discounts are applied if you choose to take one or more courses:
Submit your application form through the link that will be available on the APPLY button at the top of the page.
Want to apply for a fee waiver?
A limited number of fee waivers (50-100%) will be available this year. To be eligible, you must pass the entry exam, which will cover key topics from the bridge courses and the Bioinformatics Guide in Molecular Biology, Programming, and Statistics.
Introduction to Molecular Biology
Course dates: Feb 25 - Mar 21
Application deadline: February 24
Programming
Course dates: March 24 - April 18
Application deadline: March 18
Statistics
Course dates: April 21 - May 9
Application deadline: April 17
OMICSS-25
Lilit Nersisyan, Founding Director of ABI, Yerevan, Armenia
Maria Nikoghosyan, ABI, Yerevan, Armenia
Tatev Grigoryan, ABI, Yerevan, Armenia
Karine Shahgaldyan, ABI, Yerevan, Armenia
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us via the following means:
The school is free (or available at a 50% discount) if you successfully pass all the entry exams. These exams cover topics from the bridge courses and the Bioinformatics Guide in Molecular Biology, Programming, and Statistics.
If you do not pass the exams or choose to skip them, the registration fees are as follows:
- Early Bird: 400 EUR (deadline: May 15)
- Late Bird: 500 EUR (deadline: June 10)
Yes, fee waivers of 50–100% are available. To be eligible, you must pass the entry exam, which covers topics from the bridge courses and the Bioinformatics Guide in Molecular Biology, Programming, and Statistics.
Yes. Our Molecular Biology Bridge Course will help you build the necessary foundation. You can also study independently using our self-study materials in the Bioinformatics Guide and take the entry exam to be eligible for a fee waiver.
Yes. Our Python Programming Bridge Course is designed to help you get started. You can also study independently using our self-study materials in the Bioinformatics Guide and take the entry exam to be eligible for a fee waiver.
Yes. Our Statistics Bridge Course will provide the basics and help you build confidence in statistical thinking and inference. You can also study independently using our self-study materials in the Bioinformatics Guide and take the entry exam to be eligible for a fee waiver.
No, the exams are not mandatory. However, if you choose to skip them, you will not be eligible for a fee waiver and will need to pay the full registration fee.
Yes, the Bridge Courses are not mandatory. They are designed to help students prepare for the entry exams and improve their chances of qualifying for a fee waiver.
The exams will cover topics from the Bridge Courses. They will be oral exams, where you will be asked open-ended questions and given live coding tasks. There will be no predetermined questionnaire.
To apply, you must be at least a high school graduate.
No, both the Bridge Courses and the OMICSS-25 Summer School require offline participation.
Yes! We welcome participants from all countries. However, travel and accommodation costs must be covered by applicants. For more details, please refer to the Who Can Apply section.
If you are of Armenian descent, consider applying for Birthright Armenia. They offer accommodation support for stays of two months or longer and fully cover travel costs for those who stay six months and volunteer.
Yes! Participants who complete the school and demonstrate significant progress may be considered for internship positions at ABI.
Address: 7 Ezras Hasratyan Street (Kanaker-Zeytun), Yerevan, Armenia
ABI is located in Kanaker-Zeytun district, 200m to the left of the Mikaelyan Institute of Surgery. Please note, the street name is Ezras Hasratyan street, not to mix it with Grigor Hasratyan street which is located on the other side of the city. Buses number 99, 1, 43, 60 pass right in front of the building.
