Excitement and Concerns in the Lead Up to ASHG 2024

As the 2024 American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) meeting approaches—scheduled for November 5-9 in Denver, CO—the GEN editorial team reached out to attendees to discuss their expectations and excitement for this year's event. The meeting comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with a fiercely contested U.S. election, spurring reflections on its potential repercussions for scientific research in the U.S. and globally.

Prominent voices in the field shared their insights, including:

Gilad Almogy, PhD, founder and CEO of Ultima Genomics Jodi Barrientos, CEO of Ribbon Biolabs Segun Fatumo, PhD, professor and chair of genomic diversity at Queen Mary University of London Ada Hamosh, MD, MPH, professor and clinical director at Johns Hopkins University Gail Jarvik, MD, PhD, head of the Division of Medical Genetics at the University of Washington Medical Center

Excitement in the Air

The respondents were animated about various aspects of the ASHG meeting. For instance, Segun Fatumo emphasized a keen interest in the latest advancements in genomic studies, particularly those addressing genomic diversity in underrepresented populations. He stated, "ASHG presents a fantastic platform for international collaboration that could break new ground in genomics research."

Jodi Barrientos anticipated engaging discussions around "Paths from Bench to Bedside," aligning her company’s synthetic biology efforts aimed at innovative human health solutions, including potential breakthroughs in disease prevention and therapeutics.

Gilad Almogy shared enthusiasm for the impact of their newly launched sequencer, the UG 100™, which aims to lower sequencing costs and expand research capabilities. Almogy expressed hope that this technology will empower scientific pioneers during the conference to explore new avenues for large-scale research and population studies.

Looking Ahead to Surprises

Attendees speculated about potential surprises at ASHG. Jodi Barrientos highlighted the likelihood of new sequencing capabilities being unveiled, while Gail Jarvik anticipated strong advances in understanding complex disorders.

Fatumo pointed out the possible introduction of groundbreaking methods integrating large-scale genomic data with clinical applications, a crucial step towards addressing health disparities. Almogy mentioned that advancements in machine learning and AI could redefine research questions and enhance the speed of discoveries, potentially creating a thrilling environment at the meeting.

Election Concerns Loom Large

With the backdrop of the election, discussions about its ramifications for science filled the air. Gail Jarvik expressed concern about how the election outcome might impact funding for research, emphasizing a need for stability and support for the scientific community.

Ada Hamosh remarked on the overwhelming implications of the contrasting political scenarios, echoing a sentiment of uncertainty among scientists.

Fatumo noted the global implications of U.S. elections on research policy, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and ethical guidelines in emerging genetic technologies. He articulated hope that outcome favors research funding, particularly in genomics and biotech, thereby driving progress across scientific domains.

As ASHG 2024 approaches, attendees remain both excited and apprehensive about what lies ahead, not just in genetic research topics, but also in the far-reaching impacts of their nation's political landscape. Keep an eye on the unfolding stories coming out of Denver as scientists gather, exchange ideas, and potentially shape the future of human genetics amidst an intensifying political climate.