Network Activities Throughout the Year

From monthly research exchanges to the flagship Annual Summit, AREF runs a structured programme of intellectual engagement for all Fellows.

Monthly
Research Forums

Monthly sessions where Fellows share findings, discuss datasets, exchange analytical approaches, and explore collaboration opportunities. Expected participation for all active Fellows.

All FellowsExpected AttendanceVirtual
Bi-Monthly
Thematic Roundtables

Domain-specific discussions organised around pathogen genomics, microbiome research, cancer genomics, and computational biology. Fellows are invited based on research area alignment.

By DomainInvitedDeep Dive Format
Quarterly
Research Showcases

Quarterly events where selected Fellows present research progress and findings to the wider network, building visibility for their work and their institutions. Participation is by selection.

By SelectionPresentation FormatVisibility Building
Annual
AREF Summit

The flagship event of the AREF network, featuring keynote addresses from leading genomics researchers, Fellow research presentations, recognition awards, and collaboration sessions. All Fellows are expected to attend.

All FellowsFlagship EventAwards CeremonyIn-Person
Activity Purpose Frequency Participation
Monthly Research ForumResearch exchange & presentationsMonthlyExpected
Thematic RoundtableDomain-specific discussionsBi-MonthlyInvited
Quarterly Research ShowcaseResearch progress presentationsQuarterlyBy Selection
Annual AREF SummitFlagship network eventAnnualAll Fellows
Research Spotlight FeatureIndividual visibilityPeriodicBy Nomination
Your Activity Expectations Across 12 Months

The following milestones define your activity expectations across the 12-month allocation cycle from the date of your acceptance.

M1
Attend AREF Induction & Alignment Briefing
Within 2 weeks of acceptance
M2
Submit Research Track Blueprint
Within 4 weeks of acceptance
M3
Activate First Student Cohort
Within 6–8 weeks of acceptance
M4
Participate in at Least 4 Monthly Research Forums
Across the full cycle
M5
Submit Research Progress Update
Mid-cycle (Month 6)
M6
Attend or Present at Annual AREF Summit
Annual event
M7
Cycle Review & Renewal Application
Month 10–11
Grow the Network

As an AREF Research Fellow, you may nominate academic colleagues for consideration in the network. This is a peer recommendation mechanism, not a referral incentive program.

Nominating Your Colleagues
Nominated colleagues receive priority review, but selection remains competitive and merit-based. Nominations that result in successful allocations may enhance your standing within the network and priority consideration in future cycles. You may nominate up to three colleagues per allocation cycle.
3
Nominations per cycle
How Your Allocation is Reviewed

Renewal is not automatic — it reflects continued alignment with AREF standards. Performance is reviewed based on the following criteria.

Evidence of active research track development
Student cohort activation and engagement
Network participation and contribution
Research outputs generated or in progress
Ethical compliance and professional conduct
Priority Fellow Upgrade: High-performing Fellows may be upgraded to Priority AREF Research Fellow status, receiving priority consideration for all future Genomac Institute initiatives and early access to new programmes.