Kate Witkowska | Strategic Partnerships Director
Genomics England

Kate Witkowska is a Strategic Partnerships Director with a passion for translating genomic science into real-world impact. She began her journey in Canada, earning a PhD in Molecular Physiology from the University of Alberta, where she uncovered novel pathways regulating urate balance—work powered by genomic breakthroughs and global collaboration. Her postdoctoral research at Queen Mary University of London sharpened her focus on functional genomics, developing assays to validate gene candidates emerging from large-scale analyses. Kate joined Genomics England in 2015, where she built the academic data access framework for the 100,000 Genomes Project and championed cross-sector research engagement. By 2018, she pivoted to lead the commercial programme, bridging industry and academia, fostering public trust in data use, and driving adoption of the Trusted Research Environment. Today, Kate works with biotech, pharma, and SMEs to position the National Genomic Research Library (NGRL) at the centre of drug discovery and patient care innovation. Her mission: to unlock the power of multiomic data, accelerate clinical trial recruitment, and ensure genomic insights translate into better health outcomes—through transparent, collaborative partnerships across the UK ecosystem.
At the World Orphan Drug Congress 2025, Kate will share her perspectives on use of national genomic resources and how these can aid our progress to better care for participants and patients. She can offer valuable insights and practical guidance to attendees looking to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in the rare disease space.