MEDIA ALERT
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Media Contact: ASHG Press Office
301-634-7346
press@ashg.org
World’s top genetic scientists to present latest research findings at ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting, on October 11-15, at Montreal Convention Center
BETHESDA, MD – August 16, 2011 – The world’s top scientists and clinicians in the human genetics field will gather to present their latest research findings at the 12th International Congress of Human Genetics / 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, which will be held on October 11-15, 2011, in Montreal (Quebec), Canada, at the Montreal Convention Center.
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide, representing nearly 8,000 researchers, academicians, clinicians, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in this area. The Society’s Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of human genetics professionals and a forum for renowned experts in the field to share their latest research results. The International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG), which is sponsored by ASHG in partnership with the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies (IFHGS), is the foremost meeting of the worldwide human genetics community and is held every five years. In 2011, the 12th ICHG Meeting will be the major focal point and platform for the world’s most exciting research, and attendance at this year’s meeting is anticipated to be more than 7,000 delegates from over 60 countries around the world.
With more than 300 platform and plenary presentations, 3,500 posters, 24 invited sessions, special symposia and panel debate sessions, as well as onsite press briefing events that will be webcast to the media, the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting will provide journalists with information on the most important and recent developments in human genetics and genomics research. In addition, nearly 250 U.S. and international exhibitors will offer an unprecedented opportunity to view the latest advances in cutting-edge genetics products, services, and technology, many of which have been derived from work presented at previous ASHG meetings.
PRESS BRIEFING EVENTS & WEBCASTS:
ASHG will be hosting several press briefing events onsite in the Montreal Convention Center during the week of the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting. The Society will also be webcasting this year’s press briefings to allow credentialed members of the media who are unable to attend the meeting in-person to view the webcasts online.
If you cannot attend the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting in Montreal this October, but still wish to receive embargoed press releases from ASHG and/or register to view online webcasts of the Society’s press briefing events, e-mail your request to ASHG Press Office at press@ashg.org, and include your press affiliation, title, and contact information.
The scientific sessions and press briefings at the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting will feature presentations from prominent experts in the field on a diverse range of the latest topics of interest in human genetics and genomics, including the following:
- 1000 Genomes Project
- Biotechnology
- Cancer Genetics
- Clinical & Medical Genetics / Translational Research
- Ethical, Legal, Social, & Policy Issues
- Epigenetics & Genomics
- Evolution & Population Genetics
- Family Health History
- Gene Therapy & Genetic Disease Treatments
- Gene Patenting
- Genetic Testing
- Common & Rare Disease Genetics
- Genome Architecture (CNVs & Structural Variation)
- Genome Sequencing & Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)
- Neurogenetics & Psychiatric Genetics
- Pharmacogenetics (Drug Response & Dosage)
- Personalized Medicine
- Public Health Genomics & Education Initiatives
- Stem Cell Research
To view the schedule of events and scientific sessions, please visit the ICHG 2011 Meeting website.
PRESS REGISTRATION INFORMATION & GUIDELINES:
The ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting is open to print, online and broadcast news media, as well as health, medical and science reporters, and freelance writers on a verifiable assignment from an established news source. Complimentary meeting registration will be available to members of the media who provide appropriate press credentials and identification. ASHG offers reporters many resources onsite at the meeting, including news releases, press conferences, media interviews with top experts in the field, and a press room with free Internet access and complimentary refreshments.
To pre-register to attend the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting as a member of the press, complete the online press registration form by October 1, 2011. Press attendees are strongly encouraged to register online for the meeting in advance, however, credentialed members of the press* can register onsite at the ICHG/ASHG Press Office as well (located in Room 518B, on the fifth floor of the Montreal Convention Center).
ICHG/ASHG 2011 SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting related posts on Twitter using the hashtag: #ICHG2011. Be sure to follow the #ICHG2011 hashtag during the week of the meeting to get the inside scoop on the latest genetics research findings presented at the conference from the many attendees who will be tweeting live at the scientific sessions. [Note: At last year’s ASHG Annual Meeting, attendees posted more than 1,600+ tweets using the #ASHG2010 hashtag during the week of the conference.]
Also, be sure to follow ASHG on Twitter (@GeneticsSociety), Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., to get the latest 2011 Meeting updates and news tips both before and during the week of the conference:
ASHG on Twitter (@GeneticsSociety) [Meeting hashtag: #ICHG2011]
ASHG Facebook Fan Page
ASHG LinkedIn Group
ASHG YouTube Channel
ASHG RSS Feed
About The American Society of Human Genetics
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. The nearly 8,000 members of ASHG include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in human genetics. The Society’s mission is to serve research 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 (AJHG); (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 about ASHG, please visit our Web site at: http://www.ashg.org.
*Please note that all press registrants will be required to provide appropriate media credentials and identification to ASHG Press Office staff before receiving a press badge to access meeting events.
ASHG EXPERTS & PRESS BRIEFING SPEAKERS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
Please contact ASHG Press Office via e-mail at press@ashg.org, or call 301-634-7346.