By: Arwa Raies, PhD
This year’s program in Boston is more than just a gathering—it is a vibrant landscape of interactive learning, mentorship, and opportunities to find your place in the future of human genetics and genomics. Alongside the scientific program, ASHG 2025 offers add-on experiences to help early-career scientists and students maximize their time during the meeting. Here is your curated guide to the career development sessions and events not to be missed, featuring rich details to help you get the most out of your week.
*Indicates that advance ticket purchase at registration is required
Tuesday, October 14: Hands-On Training & New Connections
*Morning: Interactive Workshops
Kickstart your week with deeply immersive, practical workshops. These sessions deliver small-group learning led by field experts, giving you both foundational skills and emerging best practices. Whether you’re eager to gain practical skills in pathway analysis and develop confidence in using Reactome, explore the rapidly evolving human pangenome landscape, or get up and running with Nextflow for streamlined bioinformatics analysis, there’s a workshop to boost your expertise and spark new ideas.
*Afternoon: Advanced Skills and a Presidential Welcome
Attend two brand-new sessions designed to support your growth as a scientist and leader. “Strategies for Communicating Your Science to a Variety of Audiences” will help you make your research clear and engaging for any audience. The “Leadership Development Workshop: Managing People, Projects, and Progress” offers interactive training to build your skills and confidence as a leader in the scientific community. Finally, head to the main hall for the “Presidential Welcome & Address” by Sarah Tishkoff, PhD at 4:15 pm. This special session marks the official launch of the meeting and offers an inspiring glimpse into the days ahead.
Wednesday, October 15: Expanding Scientific and Professional Horizons
Morning: Featured Symposia – Breakthroughs in Genetics
Dive into the latest advances in genomics and precision medicine. Whether you are curious about the impact of artificial intelligence in Alzheimer’s research, the promise of collaborative genomics in rare disease diagnosis, or the importance of authentic engagement with the communities we serve, there is a session designed to inspire your next breakthrough.
*Lunch: Career Development Panel: Starting a Lab, Then vs Now
Transitioning from postdoctoral research to an independent lab leader is a significant step. This panel brings together recent faculty hires and junior principal investigators who will share the challenges and surprises of running a group: including securing funding, hiring your first team, and balancing mentorship, service work, and personal growth.
Afternoon: Advancing Science Policy
Continue your afternoon by joining “ASHG Advocacy in Action: Driving Science Policy Forward.” This session offers a unique opportunity to learn how your voice and expertise can shape science policy and make an impact beyond the lab. Hear from policy experts, get practical guidance on advocacy, and discover ways to contribute to the future of genetics and genomics.
Thursday, October 16: Building Skills, Finding Mentors
*Lunch: Career Development Table Topics: A Networking Event
This lively, rotating-table luncheon brings together trainees, early-career scientists, and established professionals to discuss a wide range of career topics. You’ll get to pick which tables to join and learn from experts in areas such as: switching sectors, grant writing, science leadership, and relationship-building.
Afternoon: Speed Mentoring
Take advantage of the new Speed Mentoring event at the Career Hub in the Exhibit Hall, offering rapid-fire mentorship sessions with field leaders in industry, academia, and clinical genetics. Each 15-minute round lets you ask candid questions and gain career guidance in a vibrant, supportive environment.
Friday, October 17: Diving Deeper—Science, Publishing, and Policy
Afternoon: ASHG Policy Forum
Join colleagues for a lively policy discussion focused on “Biosecurity in the New Age of Biotechnology.” Ideal for those with an interest in policy, regulation, and the broader impact of science on society.
Saturday, October 18: Innovation & Inspiration
Distinguished Speakers Symposium—AI-Powered Genomics
End the meeting on a high note with a forward-looking session focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in genomics. Distinguished experts will discuss how AI and machine learning are driving unprecedented insights from complex biological data. They’ll share detailed research, lessons for implementation, and their visions for the next decade. Bring your questions and excitement for the future!
With this detailed roadmap, your ASHG 2025 experience can be rich with learning, career development, and lifelong friendships. Have a fantastic time in Boston!