Complex Trait Analysis of Next Generation Sequence Data Course

September 8-12, 2025
Max Delbrück Center (MDC) for Molecular Medicine
Berlin, Germany

The eighth Berlin Complex Trait Analysis of Next Generation Sequence Data Course will be held at the MDC in Berlin from September 8-12, 2025. The course aims to teach the theory and application of methods to analyze next-generation sequence (NGS) data for complex human traits. In addition to lectures, computer software will be applied to analyze data, and problem-solving exercises will be performed.

TOPICS: Sequence alignment, calling variants from NGS data, the VCF format, bioinformatic annotation of variants and regions, quality control of NGS data, association testing framework for quantitative and qualitative traits [fixed effects, random effects, linear mixed models (LMM) and generalized lMM (GLMM)], estimation of heritability, rare variant association methods, polygenic risk scores, pleiotropy, estimating power and sample size, and imputation of variants and their analysis

SOFTWARE: ANNOVAR, BCFtools, GCTA, Genetic Power Calculator, FASTLMM, LDSC regression, LDPHRED2, R, REGENIE

The cost of the 5-day course is €975 for researchers from an academic institution, and €1,950 for individuals from private (for-profit) companies. This fee covers tuition, A Monday evening welcome dinner, and course-related expenses (handouts, etc.) but not room, board, or additional meals. Housing is available for course participants at nearby hotels.

The instructors for the course are Suzanne Leal (Columbia University) and Michael Nothnagel (University of Cologne).

For additional information on the Complex Trait Analysis of NGS Data Course please contact Suzanne Leal: Email: suzannemleal@gmail.com

Application Deadline June 15, 2025

Click here for the course schedule

Click here for the application form