PEP-NET unites highly successful teachers in a new endeavor: we will train a new cohort of early stage researchers (ESRs) with a full range of interdisciplinary research and transferable skills in to study epigenetic questions in academic and industrial settings.
The combination of theoretical and experimental approaches to answer deep questions in epigenetics is immensely powerful but surprisingly rare. PEP-NET aims to change this. We will train a cohort of European early stage researchers for whom the combination of predictive modelling and quantitative experimentation in epigenetics is second nature. We will break the barriers for experimentalists to understand and practice theoretical epigenetics, and for theoreticians to understand and practice experimental epigenetics.
Since PEP-NET research is a truly interdisciplinary combination of experimental and mathematical modelling approaches, it is essential for ESRs to develop strong research skills in both disciplines. Every ESR will attend every interdisciplinary module, either as a ‘pupil’ or as a teacher. We will be using the principles of the “inverted classroom”. A key feature of this concept is that “what the student does is actually more important in determining what is learned than what the teacher does”. The PEP-NET training programme contains six training modules for transferable skills in industry and academia. These modules will be taught by experts from our participating academic and non- academic organisations and by external experts and companies.
Events
Experimental Epigenetics
Module E1: 5 half days (mornings)
Basic molecular biology techniques
DNA/RNA work, gels, PCR, cloning
Modelling Epigenetics
Module M1: 5 half days (afternoons)
Basic modelling techniques
ODEs stochastic models, network models, machine learning
Transferable skills
Module T1: 1 Day
Research Integrity
and Responsible Research
Gender Equality
in STEM following Athena Swan Charter
IPR I
Intro: Technology transfer, Patenting
Public Engagement
Experimental Epigenetics
Module E2: 5 half days (mornings)
Microscopy & Image Analysis
Wide-field & confocal, live-cell fluorescence, FISH, single-molecule tracking
Modelling Epigenetics
Module M2: 5 half days (afternoons)
Biological Network Dynamics
Gene regulation physics, models for cellular decision processes, bi-stability
Transferable skills
Module T2: 4 days
Scientific Thinking & Experimental Design
Scientific Presentation Skills
Modelling Epigenetics
Module M3: 4 days
Stochastic modelling
Probability theory, Bayesian statistics, stochastic simulations
Transferable skills
Module T3: 2 days
Drug Safety and ADME testing
Entrepreneurship
Case-study of an SME
An Oxford Spin-out
Starting a Start-up
Experimental Epigenetics
Module E3: 4 days
Quantitative Molecular Biology
Gene expression analysis, ChIP, qPCR
Transferable skills
Module T4: 2 days
Open Science
EC policy and FAIR principles
Open access publishing
IPR II
Patenting
Commercialisation
IPR protection
Experimental Epigenetics
Module E4: half day (morning)
Experimental Epigenetics I-III: Review
ESR-led session
Modelling Epigenetics
Module M4: half day (afternoon)
Modelling Epigenetics I-III: Review
ESR-led session
Transferable skills
Module T5: 3 days
Scientific Paper Writing
Experimental Epigenetics
Module E5:
Short report on Experimental Epigenetics training
Given by theoretical ESRs
Benefits and suggestions for improvement
Modelling Epigenetics
Module M6:
Short report on Modelling Epigenetics training
Given by experimental ESRs
Benefits and suggestions for improvement
Transferable skills
Module T6: 3 days
Job Applications
Workshop
Job talks and feedback
Career Paths
In academia
In industry