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Molecular Genomics and Translational Biomedical Research

Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark

Klaus Brusgaard, PhD, MSc, is a Professor of Regional Research at the University of Southern Denmark and an internationally recognized expert in clinical genetics, genomics, and translational biomedical research. With over three decades of experience spanning academia, clinical laboratories, and industry, he has made significant contributions to genomic diagnostics, endocrine genetics, and rare disease research. He is a certified Clinical Laboratory Specialist (EBMG) and has held senior academic positions across Denmark and Cyprus, alongside founding Amplexa Genetics A/S. Professor Brusgaard has supervised more than 20 PhD candidates and over 40 MSc and undergraduate research projects, reflecting his strong commitment to mentorship and academic development. He serves as editor and reviewer for leading international journals and is actively involved in major national and international research councils and genomic networks. His work bridges advanced sequencing technologies, variant interpretation, and clinical application, with a strong focus on improving patient-centered genomic medicine.

Main Areas of Interest

Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses: Expertise in short- and long-read sequencing technologies for genomic and circulating nucleic acids (cfDNA/cfRNA), with applications in disease diagnosis and biomarker discovery.

Molecular Techniques: Skilled in a wide range of laboratory approaches including Sanger sequencing, PCR/RT-PCR, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and western blotting for gene and protein expression studies.

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics: Development and application of computational pipelines for variant detection, expression profiling, and modulation studies in in vitro cellular systems.

Clinical and Translational Research: Active research in diabetes and hyperinsulinism, inherited and acquired cancers (including breast, pancreatic, and prostate), dermatology, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, with a focus on bridging molecular insights to patient care.

Specialties

Genetics & Genomics

Techniques You Will Learn

Genomic and Transcriptomic Sequencing: Practical training in short- and long-read sequencing platforms for comprehensive analysis of genomic DNA and circulating cfDNA/cfRNA, with emphasis on library preparation, data generation, and quality assessment.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR/RT-PCR): Hands-on experience in conventional and real-time PCR techniques for gene amplification, quantification, and expression profiling in various biological systems.

Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR): Advanced instruction in highly sensitive nucleic acid quantification using ddPCR, with applications in rare variant detection, minimal residual disease monitoring, and biomarker validation.

Sanger Sequencing: Focused training in gold-standard sequencing methodology for mutation confirmation, small variant analysis, and clinical validation studies.

Western Blotting: Practical skill development in protein detection and quantification, including sample preparation, electrophoresis, transfer, and immunodetection methods.

Bioinformatics Pipelines: Exposure to computational workflows for variant analysis, gene expression profiling, and functional annotation, including the use of open-source and custom-built tools.

In Vitro Cellular Models: Training in experimental design and execution of gene expression modulation studies in cellular systems, integrating molecular assays with functional outcomes.

Clinical & Translational Research Methods: Immersive experience in study design, data collection, and translational applications across diabetes, hyperinsulinism, oncology, dermatology, and hereditary vascular disorders, with emphasis on bridging bench-to-bedside insights.

Curriculum

Foundations & Core Techniques

Orientation & Overview

Introduction to the research unit, laboratory safety, and ethical considerations in genomic and translational research.
Overview of molecular biology principles relevant to genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics.
Discussion of clinical contexts: diabetes, hyperinsulinism, cancer (breast, pancreatic, prostate), dermatology, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Genomic & Transcriptomic Sequencing

Introduction to short- and long-read sequencing technologies.
Hands-on exposure to sample preparation, library construction, and sequencing workflows.
Case discussions on applications of cfDNA and cfRNA in diagnostics and monitoring.

Molecular & Protein-Based Techniques

PCR & Quantitative RT-PCR

Practical training in conventional PCR and real-time PCR for gene amplification and quantification.
Interpretation of Ct values, melting curves, and experimental validation.

Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Training in digital partitioning, absolute quantification, and rare allele detection.
Case applications in cancer genomics and minimal residual disease.

Sanger Sequencing & Mutation Analysis

Exposure to sequencing workflows for small variant detection.
Practical session on sequence data interpretation and clinical reporting.

Western Blotting

Protein extraction, electrophoresis, transfer, and immunodetection.
Troubleshooting and quantitative analysis of protein expression.

Bioinformatics & In Vitro Models

Bioinformatics Pipelines

Training in computational tools for variant calling, transcript quantification, and functional annotation.
Introduction to open-source software and database resources (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl, COSMIC).
Small-group exercise in analyzing a provided dataset.

Cellular Models & Expression Studies

Practical exposure to in vitro gene expression modulation systems.
Integration of molecular assays (PCR, western blotting) with functional outcomes.
Case studies linking molecular findings to disease mechanisms.

Clinical & Translational Research Integration

Research in Clinical Contexts

Exploration of translational applications in diabetes, hyperinsulinism, oncology, dermatology, and vascular disorders.
Shadowing sessions in clinical research meetings and case-based discussions.

Study Design & Methodology

Workshops on clinical study design, ethics in human genomics, and biomarker validation.
Journal club presentations on cutting-edge research articles.

Academic Development & Reflection

Participation in interdisciplinary seminars with clinicians, geneticists, and data scientists.
Mentor-led feedback sessions on progress and skill acquisition.
Final reflective discussion and certificate of completion.

Accommodation

Try airbnb.com

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$1,063.00
6 weeks	$1,563.00
12 weeks	$3,750.00

Who Can Apply

PhD scholars or postdoctoral researchers in genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics

Medical graduates

Host Details

Host Name: Klaus Brusgaard

Affiliation: Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark

Address: Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark

Website URL:

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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