BONDay 2026: Sharing Experience and Exploring New Perspectives in Nanopore Sequencing
On 27 October 2026, the Comenius University Science Park in Bratislava hosted BONDay 2026 – Bratislava Oxford Nanopore Day, organized within the framework of the FORGENOM II project. The symposium brought together researchers, bioinformaticians, clinical experts, and representatives of Oxford Nanopore Technologies to discuss the latest developments and applications of nanopore sequencing in both research and clinical practice.
The programme featured presentations by national and international experts from leading institutions, including EMBL, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Masaryk University in Brno, the University of Vienna, and several Slovak research organizations. Participants gained insights into recent advances in long-read sequencing technologies, emerging application areas, and current challenges related to genomic data generation, analysis, and interpretation.
Addressing Practical Questions in Research and Clinical Applications
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, which focused on topics proposed directly by participants. The discussion covered three main areas: getting started with nanopore sequencing, sample and infrastructure requirements, and the practical implementation of the technology across different fields.
Panelists addressed questions related to clinical samples, sequencing of low-abundance viruses, adaptive sampling, duplex sequencing, and challenges associated with environmental DNA analysis. The discussion also explored bioinformatics requirements, computing infrastructure, and access to national computational resources.
Particular interest was generated by the question of where nanopore sequencing currently provides the greatest added value. The panel agreed that the technology has significant potential in personalized medicine. Several examples of clinical implementation in Slovakia were highlighted, including its use in transplantation medicine. International experiences with real-time sequencing applications during surgical procedures were also discussed, illustrating the growing role of nanopore sequencing in healthcare.
Sample Quality Remains the Key to Successful Sequencing
One recurring message throughout the discussion was the importance of high-quality biological material. The panelists emphasized that the success of any sequencing experiment largely depends on the quality of the extracted DNA. Poor sample quality inevitably results in lower-quality sequencing data and can significantly affect downstream analyses.
The discussion also provided practical recommendations and laboratory insights for research groups planning to introduce nanopore sequencing into their workflows. These experiences offered valuable guidance for both newcomers and experienced users seeking to optimize their protocols and data quality.
A Platform for Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
BONDay 2026 demonstrated the growing interest of the Slovak scientific community in advanced sequencing technologies and their implementation in research and healthcare. Beyond the scientific programme, the event provided an excellent platform for networking, establishing new collaborations, and exchanging practical experience among researchers from different disciplines.
The organizers from the FORGENOM II project welcomed the active participation of experts from academia, healthcare institutions, and industry. They expressed confidence that events such as BONDay will continue to foster the development of genomics, strengthen scientific cooperation, and accelerate the adoption of innovative biotechnologies in Slovakia.
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