Posted By: Mona Miller, ASHG Executive Director
ASHG is increasing our direct national and international collaboration to achieve results for the human genetics and genomics community. While we are already pursuing strategic action with several genetics and genomic partners on priorities from the recent ASHG member survey, we also are working to identify key strategic partnerships across the wide spectrum of science and medicine. This week, we are especially pleased to announce our participation with some crucial new allies. In months to come, continue to check out new partnerships and collaborations as we grow our work to serve you and the field.
ASHG has joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as an affiliate. At a time when fact and evidence face challenges on a global scale, the entire community is working to advance evidence-based information. We are strengthened and more united through AAAS, which is building and launching new advocacy strategies for science at the national and local levels. They also serve as key convener for scientific societies across the physical and life sciences and helped spark a national collaboration to combat sexual harassment in STEMM. Importantly, they are also enhancing their work to arm journalists with accurate information about emerging science, including human genetics, and last month’s AAAS Annual Meeting showcased multiple promising studies and challenging questions in our field. We are excited to explore how we can connect into their broader efforts, partner with their global voice, and use resources to help our members communicate and advocate for the tremendous progress and promise of science. Keep an eye out for more information and our recent Q&A with AAAS CEO Rush Holt.
ASHG has joined the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM. The ASHG Board of Directors is committed to creating a welcoming and safe community within our human genetics and genomics field, and we were very pleased to introduce our new ASHG Annual Meeting Code of Conduct last year to clearly state our expectations for behavior within our events. Yet we know these issues are pervasive and deep seated and will need sustained attention across fields and disciplines. Building on a crucial recent report from the National Academies, the Consortium will unite societies on these issues and help all of us adopt and promote policies and procedures that foster diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic and medical environments. ASHG took part in early dialogue as the consortium was forming last fall, and the group now includes nearly 60 societies, led by groups that include AAAS, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Geophysical Union.
We look forward to partnering with these new allies as we work to advance the field of human genetics and genomics!