Medlab 2025

Walaa brings over a decade of expertise in genetics and genomics research, with a strong focus on identifying genetic variants linked to rare disorders in the Arab population. She has been with Oxford Nanopore Technologies for over 2 years, initially serving as a Senior Field Scientist within the Genomics Consultant Solution team, and recently transitioning to the Clinical Specialist team.​

Prior to joining Oxford Nanopore, Walaa played a pivotal role as an R&D Scientist in the validation phase of the Emirati Genome Project.​

Walaa earned her Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where her research centered on novel mutations causing hearing loss. Her extensive professional and academic background highlights her dedication to advancing clinical genomics and her significant contributions to the field.​

Yiannis is a skilled product marketing professional with a background in medical writing and biotech brand management. Currently a product marketing manager at Bio-Techne, he has successfully driven brand awareness, marketing campaigns and stakeholder engagement in the European market, particularly in genetics and breast oncology. With prior experience in medical writing, he has developed high-quality scientific content and facilitated key industry events. Yiannis holds an MSc in stem cells and regenerative therapies from Kings College London and a BSc from Imperial College London. Fluent in multiple languages, he’s passionate about strategic communication, cross-functional collaboration, and advocating for innovative medical solutions.

My name is Javier Quilez and I am Associate Director of Bioinformatics at M42, where I have worked the last 4+ years driving the Emirati Genome Program as well as other large-scale sequencing projects. My career started with 10+ years in academia for my PhD and post-doctoral studies working on population, evolutionary and structural genomics. Prior to joining M42, I worked at Clarivate consulting for pharma and biotech companies on bioinformatics and drug discovery. I really enjoy opportunities like this event to communicate technical work to a broader audience​

Prof Justin O'Grady gained his BSc, MSc and PhD in microbiology and infectious diseases at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). He remained at NUIG for his first post-doc, focussing on foodborne pathogens. This was followed by a two-year stint in industry (Beckman Coulter) developing real-time PCR based tests for infectious diseases. Prof O’Grady then returned to academia, taking a post-doc position at University College London on TB diagnostics. In January 2013 he was appointed Assistant Professor in Medical Microbiology at the University of East Anglia (Norwich, UK), was promoted to Associate Professor in August 2016 and promoted to Professor in January 2021. He was seconded to the University of Cambridge during the COVID pandemic as Deputy Director of COG-UK, to help lead the UK’s SARS-CoV-2 sequencing effort. He then joined Oxford Nanopore Technologies as Senior Director of Translational Applications in June 2021. His research continues to focus on the development of rapid diagnostic tests, to maximise community and patient benefit.​