2027 VAI Epigenomics Workshop
A hands-on workshop that helps Ph.D. students tackle real-world challenges in bulk and single-cell epigenomics data analysis
Interested in applying epigenomics to your research? Running into challenges with single-cell data? Have code or a research question you’d like to tackle?
The VAI Epigenomics Workshop is a three-day, hands-on, problem-based experience built around solving real research challenges in epigenomics. Designed for Ph.D. students, this year’s workshop will help you develop practical skills for analyzing protein-DNA interactions using bulk and single-cell chromatin profiling techniques.
You’ll work through real-world data analysis problems in guided sessions that focus on best practices you can apply to your research. Bring your own data, code or questions to explore, or work through provided examples alongside experts and fellow participants.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with new skills and connections with colleagues studying epigenomics and gene regulation across a range of fields.
View eligibility criteria and application details ➔
The application period opens in late 2026. To be added to our mailing list, please email Courtney Zirkle.
Funding for the workshop was made possible (in part) by R25HG011020 from the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the NIH; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.
Our agenda is in development. To be added to our mailing list, please email Courtney Zirkle.
Workshop sessions will be taught by epigenomics experts, including invited speakers and VAI faculty.
Eligibility
Doctoral students from U.S. colleges and universities who have completed their comprehensive exams in an epigenetics-related discipline and have embarked on an epigenetics-based Ph.D. thesis are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials no later than Friday, June 11, 2027. The requested documents should be combined into one PDF document. The application period opens in late 2026.
- A biosketch*
- One-paragraph statement of interest, including area of study
- Poster abstract (for formatting details, please visit our Poster tab)
- Letter of recommendation from thesis advisor or a thesis committee member**
**To complete your application, a letter of recommendation from your Ph.D. advisor or a thesis committee member must also be received by Friday, June 11, 2027. This can be included as the fourth document in the submission above or can be emailed by the advisor separately to Courtney Zirkle.
Applications will be reviewed by the workshop committee, which will select 12–15 applicants for admission into the workshop. Students will be notified by late June 2027.
Cost
There are no costs for selected student participants. VAI will cover costs associated with student participants’ travel and lodging to and from the VAI Epigenetics Symposium and Epigenomics Workshop. There is no registration fee for the workshop. Applicants will be able to indicate their need for childcare assistance as part of the online application.
Submitted abstracts should represent original research and may cover any biomedical research topic. The title should be brief and descriptive, and the body should include rationale, methods and results. Please prepare abstracts using the below template. Abstracts should be submitted during the application process.
Questions?
Questions regarding abstract submission, posters or the poster session can be directed to Courtney Zirkle.
TITLE OF ABSTRACT IN ALL CAPS (STYLE = TITLE)
Presenting Author1,2, Other Author1, and Last Author1,3(Style = Authors)
1First Dept., Institution, City, State, Country, 2Second Dept., Institution, City, State, Country, and 3Last Dept., Institution, City, State, Country (Style = Affiliations)
Body of abstract using 300 words or less. Define each abbreviation at first use. All fonts should be Arial, 11 pt. and text should be single-spaced. Once you have filled in this template, choose File>Save As and save your file as a Word document (.doc or .docx) with the filename lastname_abstract. (Style = Body)
EXAMPLE
SINGLE-CELL PROFILING OF CHROMATIN IN HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS
Jane A. Smith1 and Derek H. Janssens,2
1Department of Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, 2Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Single-cell profiling enables characterization of regulatory heterogeneity and chromatin accessibility across hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell populations. These approaches help identify …
Interim Chair, Department of Cell Biology; Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Van Andel Institute
Dr. Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf investigates how environmental factors, such as toxicants, impact our genetic code and contribute to cancer. Her research is illuminating powerful new insights that could influence our understanding of health and disease, providing a path forward for new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
Assistant Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Van Andel Institute
Dr. Derek Janssens explores the factors that give rise to blood cancers with the goal of informing improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. His research has contributed to powerful new methods that enable scientists to better study the complex factors that drive cancer development.
Chair and Professor; Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research
Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Van Andel Institute
Dr. Darren Moore seeks new diagnostic and treatment approaches for Parkinson’s by investigating genetic risk factors and a range of inherited forms of the disease, which comprise 5% to 10% of cases. He aims to translate the understanding of these genetic mutations and risk factors into new disease-modifying treatments and biomarkers for Parkinson’s, both inherited and sporadic forms. Discoveries from Dr. Moore’s lab routinely elucidate the faulty molecular interactions that transform healthy, functioning neurons into diseased ones.
Chair and Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Van Andel Institute
Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik seeks to understand how we become whom we become, and how our disease susceptibility is defined from early on in life, even before conception, with the long-term goal of being able to predict lifelong health outlook at birth.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Van Andel Institute
Dr. Bang-An Wang develops new technologies to explore the epigenetic underpinnings of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. His multi-faceted research brings together powerful techniques to illuminate potential future treatment targets.
Event Details
Contact Info:
Email: Courtney Zirkle