An upcoming conference in Bermuda will shape genomics research for the next 30 years.

The Bermuda Principles 30th anniversary conference will take place at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club from February 25 to 28.

The Bermuda Principles were established during the 1996 International Strategy Meeting on Human Genomic Sequencing and set a standard that ensured all data on the Human Genome Project would be made public within 24 hours.

More than 200 scientists from around the world will attend the conference, themed “Future-proofing global collaboration in genomics”, and speakers will discuss topics such as national genomics initiatives, benefit sharing and justice, and Bermuda Principles 2.0.

The event is being organised in partnership with the Wellcome Sanger Institute and local company CariGenetics.

Carika Weldon, founder of the Bermuda Principles Foundation and chief executive of CariGenetics, will also speak during the conference.

She said: “In 1996 in Bermuda, a group of 50 scientists made a decision that changed science for ever — to share genomic data openly, rapidly and for the benefit of all.

“In 2026, we are bringing that spirit home again, not just to celebrate the past, but to design the next 30 years of responsible, equitable data-sharing.”

A statement said artificial intelligence company Nvidia will support the new Bermuda Bioinformatics Centre of Excellence, which will allow genetic data to be analysed on-island for the first time.

It said: “By pairing Bermuda’s pioneering role in genomic data-sharing with Nvidia’s cutting-edge AI platforms, the Centre of Excellence will enable local analysis of complex genomic data sets, accelerate research relevant to Caribbean and other underrepresented populations, and provide hands-on training opportunities for Bermudian students and early-career bioinformatics, AI and data science.”

Bioinformatics uses technology to store and analyse biological data.

Ewan Birney, interim executive director of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, will receive the 2026 Bermuda Principles Award during the conference in recognition of his outstanding contributions to genomics and responsible genomic data-sharing.

Dr Weldon added: “This conference is an invitation to global partners and to our local community, students, educators, health professionals and businesses to help shape a future where Caribbean and other underrepresented populations are truly seen in the genomic data that drives tomorrow’s medicine.”

Kendaree Burgess, managing director of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, said: “Bermuda has always punched above its weight as a hub for innovation, and genomics is no exception.

“The creation of a Bermuda Bioinformatics Centre of Excellence means that genetic data generated here and across the region can now be interpreted here, by our own scientists and students.

“For young Bermudians, this opens a pathway into high-value careers at the intersection of science, data and technology.

“We are encouraging local businesses to support this world-class event by joining us in supporting this worthwhile endeavour.

“This is about building Bermuda’s future workforce, right here at home.”

• Members of the public can visitbermudaprinciples.org for more information and businesses interested in sponsoring the event should contact admin@bermudaprinciples.org