At Front Line Genomics our mission is to deliver the benefits of genomics to patients faster.
Through this website, publications/reports, events and the Festival of Genomics, we support clinicians and scientists from research institutions, industry, healthcare and governmental organisations to realise the true potential of genomics and genomic medicine.
We’re passionate about the impact we can have on the lives of patients who could benefit from genomics and related technologies. Our social mission drives everything we do.
From our founder, Richard Lumb:
In 2009 I lost my father to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.
Shortly after he died, and still struggling to come to terms with his death, I started to read up more about mesothelioma and how a person’s genetic make-up can increase susceptibility. This led to an interest in the growing role of genomics in healthcare and society. I decided that I wanted to play a role in accelerating the impact of genomics knowledge on people’s lives, to make a difference for people like my dad.
In 2013, I made a leap of faith to leave my previous role, and develop the concept for Front Line Genomics, a business where the main focus is social impact – not profit. The business launched in 2014 and, after launching the website and our first publications, within weeks we’d set upon a mission to build ‘Woodstock for genomics’, a completely unique event for the genomics community that subsequently became the Festival of Genomics.
Jump to 2023 and we now operate as a proudly independent business. The Festival of Genomics in London is now the largest genomics event in the UK (and among the fastest growing life sciences events globally), the website is a thriving content and publications hub for the genomics community and we also have another business – D4 (Data-Driven Drug Development).
Richard Lumb, Founder & CEO,
Rich is a scientist and social entrepreneur with a passion for improving the positive impact of science on society. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry/Protein folding from the University of Manchester, a Master’s Degree in Management from Lancaster University and an undergrad degree in Physiology from the University of Liverpool. In 2009, Rich founded and led the life sciences division at Hanson Wade until 2013. He then founded Front Line Genomics in 2014 and led the buyout of the company from Clarion Events in 2018. He also acts as an Advisor for Personal Genetics Education Program (pgEd), run out of Harvard Medical School. Rich lives in London with his wife and three children.
Diana Georgi, Head of Production,
Diana graduated with a degree in Biomedicine from the University of East Anglia, and worked for 18 months in life science conference production before joining Front Line Genomics in early 2020. She most enjoys the social aspects of her role and is always on the lookout for interesting content to share with the genomics community.
Nehir Banaz, Life Sciences Producer,
Nehir earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford before joining Front Line Genomics as a life sciences events producer. She is interested in multi-omics, neuroscience and cancer genomics. When she is not producing an exciting event, Nehir enjoys to travel and dance lindy hop.
Ollie de Jong, Life Sciences Producer,
Ollie has a BSc in Medical Sciences from the University of Leeds and an MSc in Drug Discovery Science from the University of Sheffield. He joined Front Line Genomics in July 2022 as an Event Producer and has a particular interest in cancer genomics, neurodegenerative diseases and drug development. Outside of work Ollie loves boxing, crime dramas and Sheffield Wednesday.
Gina Brennan, Life Sciences Producer,
Gina recently graduated from the University of Sussex with an MSci in Neuroscience. After starting out in a sales role, she moved to production at Front Line Genomics to focus more on the science she loves. She has a particular interest in science’s role in society, and the equity of medicine and scientific research. Outside of work, Gina is a keen reader, writer, and make-up artist, winning competitions for short stories and having her make-up featured in Vogue Italia.
Bea Trottier, Marketing Manager,
Bea graduated from Durham University in 2022 with a degree in Biology. As well as interests in gene editing, nutrition and ageing, Bea is a keen painter and applies her creativity to her role as Marketing Manager at Front Line Genomics.
Bethan Lumb, Chief Operating Officer,
Beth has a Law degree and a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course. She is a qualified solicitor and practised for several years before becoming a stay at home mum. She joined Front Line Genomics in 2018 and has worked in several roles across the business.
Jack Halliday, Head of Sales,
Jack is Head of Sales at Front Line Genomics, he has over 20 years’ experience working within sales and business development, leading teams and has worked on some of the largest trade shows in the UK and around the world. Jack has a passion for connecting businesses, supporting the Front Line Genomics social mission through commercially developing our portfolio, team and process. Jack has a young family and most weekends can be found on Devon's beaches, on his bike or on walks with the dog.
Liam Little, Science Writer,
Liam has an undergraduate degree in Pharmacology from Newcastle University, a master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and a PhD in Cancer Biology and Diagnostics from Sheffield Hallam University. He also has experience working in a molecular diagnostics laboratory and joined Front Line Genomics in 2022 as a Science Writer. Outside of work, Liam’s hobbies include reading, skateboarding and surfing.
Lyndsey Fletcher, Science Writer,
Lyndsey graduated from the University of Glasgow with a BSc in Genetics and an MSc in Bioinformatics. She is passionate about science communication, patient engagement and the use of big data in genomics research. Outside of work, Lyndsey is a keen baker and enjoys hillwalking in the countryside near her home on the west coast of Scotland
Following a period of exciting growth, we’re planning to hire again, and are regularly on the lookout for talented, passionate and socially-motivated people to join our close-knit, friendly team.
For our production/editorial/internship roles, we’re interested in talking to you if you’re passionate about genomics, medicine or life sciences in general, and have experience in writing, scientific communications, event/digital content production and/or scientific research.
For our sales/marketing roles, we’re looking for high-performing people with experience in the events/media industry who are looking for a much more meaningful role.
We’re always interested in hearing from new (or soon to be) graduates with a demonstrable passion for genomics.
Our culture is our most important asset, and it’s something we’ve recently worked hard to develop and strengthen. Many of the team have a personal motive for working here, and all of us are attached to our social mission. Everyone is supported by personal coaching, weekly team training, away days and a generous holiday allowance. However, the perks are one thing but it’s the impact that we can have for patients that drives our culture most.
Get in touch with Rich Lumb if you’re interested in finding out more about joining our team.
Have something to say relating to genomics? Whether you’re a student, recent graduate or a seasoned pro with years of experience under your belt, if you’re interested in writing for us, please contact us.
We also act as aggregators of some of the best genomics-related content out there, so if you run a genomics-related podcast, have a blog or write your own content, reach out to us to chat about how we can help you reach your audience.
We’d love to hear from anyone interested in supporting our social mission, partnering with us to improve patient lives or extend the social impact of genomics
Address: Ground Floor, Cromwell House, 15 Andover Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7BT.
Telephone: +44 (0)208 191 8810
Email: info@frontlinegenomics.com
