Messenger

As we approach the end of 2020 and await the beginning of a bold new year, I applaud the commitment that the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has made to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in human genetics and genomics research, policies, programming, workforce initiatives, membership, and volunteer leadership at all levels. I have the pleasure of serving on the Society’s Board and chairing the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, which was established 18 months ago and is... Read More

My year as president of ASHG is concluding, and I’d like to thank you for your membership and remind our field of the great value that you gain from ASHG and also what you enable through your membership. One of the most important benefits of ASHG’s membership is the Society’s ability to connect geneticists from all over the world.... Read More

Since 2012, ASHG has been a member of the Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health, a cross-disciplinary convening activity at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. In 2020, the Roundtable members committed to the development of a new strategic plan that will guide their work over the next few years. ASHG spoke with the Roundtable co-chairs, Geoffrey Ginsburg, MD, PhD, Director of the Center for... Read More

In October, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) published its strategic vision for the next decade of human genomics. NHGRI’s vision identifies guiding principles and values for human genomics, including the imperative to champion a diverse genomics workforce. Vence Bonham, J.D., senior advisor on genomics and health disparities to the NHGRI director, discusses why workforce diversity in genomics has become a critically urgent necessity for innovation and scientific... Read More

The newly formed Professional Practice and Social Implications (PPSI) Committee met early this year to create their Action Plan. This committee, established by the ASHG Board of Directors in 2019, is charged with helping ASHG members and the research community advance genetics and genomics in ways that integrate and embed societal impacts within research goals and practices.  This Action Plan, to be implemented over the next three to five... Read More