Professor of Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics and Head of Public Health Genomics Programme
Cardiff University and Public Health Wales NHS Trust
Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
Professor Connor is the Head of the Public Health Genomics Programme within Public Health Wales (PHW), and holds a Personal Chair in Bioinformatics and Pathogen Genomics at Cardiff University.
Prof. Connor has a significant research track record in bioinformatics and pathogen genomics with involvement in more than $50M of funded research, and significant publications in journals including Science, Cell, Nature and Nature genetics. Since 2016 Prof. Connor has led the bioinformatics development of accredited clinical pathogen genomics services within PHW, translating his research expertise into clinical practice. This work includes developing end-to-end ISO 15189 accredited services, including some that are global firsts. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Connor led national efforts in the UK to develop genomics capabilities, including as part of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK). Throughout the pandemic he also led SARS-CoV-2 sequencing efforts in Wales, resulting in the first ISO 15189 accredited genomics service in the UK, resulting in sequencing and real-time use of over 250,000 Welsh SARS-CoV-2 genomes as part of the pandemic response. In February 2023 he took up the role of Head of the Public Health Genomics programme, where he works to develop and deliver new clinical and public health genomic services to protect and improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities for people in Wales.
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Developing Robust Bioinformatics Approaches for Accredited Infectious Disease Genomics Services
Thursday, November 13, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM EST