NHGRI hosts open session to discuss human genetics and genomics workforce demographics
This past month, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) released the Human Genetics and Genomics Workforce Survey Report, which lays a foundation for building a diverse genomics workforce. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), which funded the report, is assembling a panel to discuss these findings and their implications.
What
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will host a webinar to discuss the key findings from a recently released Human Genetics & Genomics Workforce Survey Report. The panelists will discuss findings about the genomics workforce demographics, which include race, ethnicity, ancestry; age; gender identity; sexual orientation; disability status; and disadvantaged background.
The event is free and open to the public. Follow #DiverseGenomicsWorkforce on social media for more information.
Who
Eric Green, director, National Human Genome Research Institute
Vence Bonham, Jr., acting deputy director, National Human Genome Research Institute
Chazeman Jackson, senior director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, American Society of Human Genetics
Marc S. Williams, president, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Heather Zierhut, president, National Society of Genetic Counselors
When
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, 1:30-2:30 p.m. EST
Where
To register for the webinar, click here.
Background
As part of NHGRI’s efforts to champion a more diverse genomics workforce, the Human Genetics & Genomics Workforce Survey Report was published earlier this month. The first-of-its-kind study was funded by NHGRI and released by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), in cooperation with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and others.
The report concludes that efforts to enhance diversity in the genomics field must improve. With over 4,000 survey respondents, the majority identify as U.S. citizens (73.3%) and their race, ethnicity or ancestry as white (67%). The top three primary areas of work for employed respondents include genetic counseling, research and academia. Women made up the majority of respondents (74.7%), while 23.3% of respondents identified as men and 0.5% identified as nonbinary or transgender. 6.9% of respondents identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA).
Enhancing the diversity of the workforce remains a crucial goal for the field of human genomics. NHGRI is proud to support this examination of the current state of the genomics workforce. The institute also remains committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and across the workforce to achieve the highest level of genomic innovation, reduce health disparities and foster health equity in areas related to genomics and genomic medicine.
About NHGRI and NIH
About the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI): At NHGRI, we are focused on advances in genomics research. Building on our leadership role in the initial sequencing of the human genome, we collaborate with the world's scientific and medical communities to enhance genomic technologies that accelerate breakthroughs and improve lives. By empowering and expanding the field of genomics, we can benefit all of humankind. For more information about NHGRI and its programs, visit www.genome.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
Press Contact
Requesting an Accommodation
Please note: Sign language interpreting and CART services are available upon request to participate in this event. Individuals needing either of these services and/or other reasonable accommodations should contact NHGRIPressOffice@mail.nih.gov. Requests should be made at least five days in advance. To access Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), call 711.
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Requesting an Accommodation
Please note: Sign language interpreting and CART services are available upon request to participate in this event. Individuals needing either of these services and/or other reasonable accommodations should contact NHGRIPressOffice@mail.nih.gov. Requests should be made at least five days in advance. To access Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), call 711.
Last updated: November 29, 2022