Published: Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 11:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, 202.257.8424, press@ashg.org
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) today announced that Variant Bio has joined in partnership with ASHG to support the Society’s 2022 Developing Country Awards. ASHG and Variant Bio both recognize that diverse interests, backgrounds, and voices are crucial to driving greater innovation and discovery in human genetics and genomics. Through the Developing Country Awards, researchers living in developing countries with low-income or lower-middle-income economies receive up to $3,000 each toward their participation in the ASHG Annual Meeting.
“ASHG is grateful for Variant Bio’s support of these important awards,” said Erica Davis, PhD, Chair of ASHG’s Program Committee. “Developing Country Award recipients contribute to the variety and vitality of the Society’s annual meeting. While participating in the event, they are also able to connect with researchers from around the world and identify potential collaborations and employment opportunities that further their careers in the field.”
To be considered for the 2022 Developing Country Award, interested applicants must submit an abstract to the ASHG 2022 Annual Meeting by the June 9, 2022, deadline, indicate that they wish to be considered for the award, and, if granted, attend the in-person meeting being held October 25-29, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Applicants must be citizens of and currently working in a developing country categorized by the World Bank as having a low-income or lower-middle-income economy (LMIC). Priority will be given to those who have not attended the ASHG meeting in the past and who do not have other resources with which to attend.
Variant Bio, aiming to treat unmet medical needs through innovative genetic research with globally underrepresented populations, recognizes the fundamental value and importance of engaging researchers from developing countries in the ASHG Annual Meeting. “At Variant Bio we deeply value our scientific partnerships with outstanding researchers around the world,” said Variant Bio’s CEO Andrew Farnum. “The Developing Country Awards program is a great way to increase access to the exceptional programming provided by ASHG and we are excited to support this endeavor.”
ASHG is committed to hosting a vibrant in-person 2022 Annual Meeting and, just like every year, we encourage the best science and researchers from across the world and all backgrounds to be at this important event for the genetics and genomics community.
For more information on ASHG’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit https://www.ashg.org/membership/diversity-inclusion/.
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About Variant Bio
Variant Bio leverages the power of human genetic diversity to discover new therapeutics. Variant Bio partners with relevant groups, identifies novel and population-specific genetic variants, and finds associations that have medical relevance. Ultimately Variant Bio aims to treat unmet needs for populations with specific health-related traits through genetics research.
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.