Interview: Evaluating impact in genomics training programme

In this interview, Dr Michelle Bishop, Associate Director of Research Learning & Conferences at Wellcome Connecting Science (WCS), discusses how WCS evaluates the impact of its genomics learning and training programme, which delivers around 40 events each year at the Wellcome Genome Campus and partner institutions across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

For Michelle Bishop, impact operates at both the participant and organisational levels. Success is measured not only by whether learners achieve the intended outcomes and apply new skills, but also by whether a programme contributes to strategic goals such as strengthening partnerships and democratising genomic science globally. Michelle emphasises that evaluation must be embedded from the planning stage rather than treated as an afterthought. Effective evaluation begins by defining intended impact, selecting appropriate frameworks, determining proportionate methods, and identifying meaningful metrics. Both qualitative and quantitative data may be used, alongside pre- and post-course assessment approaches. Importantly, she stresses that evaluation only drives improvement when leadership acts on the findings.

Discussion

Reflecting on the previous step and on Michelle Bishop’s advice, consider how you will evaluate the impact of your own training course. How will you measure success, and what will your evaluation plan include?