Equity, Diversity and Data

Genomics has advanced significantly since the first human genome was published – with millions of genomes sequenced and genotyped in research and diagnostic settings. However, many genetic and genomic studies continue to include data mostly from populations of Europe and of European ancestry. Therefore the benefits of genomic research – a better understanding of disease, early detection and diagnosis, drug design and improved healthcare – can exclude groups not represented in this data, exacerbating existing health disparities.

This workshop will explore the causes and impact of under-representation in genomics, the factors that affect equity and diversity in genomics, and discuss how we can build equitable and trustworthy practices in genomic research, data collection and usage. The workshop will feature case studies and contributions from organisations that are conducting large-scale studies into population health to explore and discuss best practice.

Target audience:
The attendees will include both researchers and healthcare professionals working in genomics and biodata and also those interested in developing policy in this area, making for rich networking and experience sharing.

The nature of the workshop provides flexible opportunities to talk about specific challenges and reflect on personal contexts and plans. The workshop will be delivered in a participatory style that allows for adequate reflection time and action planning.

This workshop will start at 1pm on Monday 18 September and finish at ~2pm on Wednesday 20 September 2023.

The programme will cover the following topics:

• The impact of unequal representation in genomics
• Equity, data and community
• Demonstrating trustworthiness in using data
• Communicating and understanding genomics in different cultures
• Tools and frameworks for ethical and equitable research
• Large-scale studies in population health

All participants are requested to attend all of the sessions and participate in networking to benefit fully from discussions and interactions.

Scientific programme committee

Segun Fatumo
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK

Malebo Malope 
University of Stellenbosh, South Africa

Sasha Henriques
Wellcome Connecting Science, UK

Confirmed speakers

Raghib Ali – Our Future Health, UK
Muhammad Ayub – University College London, UK
Laura Harris – EMBL-EBI, UK
Setlhomo Koloi-Keaikit – University of Botswana, Botswana
Karoline Kuchenbaecker – Genomics England, UK
Sandra Soo-Jin Lee – Columbia University, USA
Mavis Machirori – Ada Lovelace institute, UK
Vinicius Maracaja-Coutinho, University of Chile, Chile
Paul Meller – Wellcome, UK
Richard Milne – Wellcome Connecting Science, UK
Michelle Peter – Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Daniela Robles Espinoza – National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Mexico
Michelle Trenkmann – Nature, Germany
Tapiwa Tungamirai – Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Organisers

Treasa Creavin
Wellcome Connecting Science, UK

Alice Matimba
Wellcome Connecting Science, UK

Amanda Fletcher
Wellcome Connecting Science, UK

Prerequisites
Applicants will  include researchers and healthcare professionals working in genomics and biodata and also those interested in developing policy in this area, primarily based in the UK.

How to Apply
Please complete the online application form.

The following will need to be provided: a brief justification on how you will benefit from attending the workshop, including how it’s is relevant to your current or future research plans or professional role.

If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact the event organiser.

Application and bursary deadline: extended to 1 August

*The course fee is subsidised by Wellcome Connecting Science.

Bursaries

Owing to the importance of this topic, several 100% registration bursaries are available to attend this workshop. This is in addition to the standard bursary (which is up to 50% of the standard registration fee).

The following documents will need to be provided:

• CV
• A justification letter (explain how you will benefit from attending the workshop)
• A supporting letter stating financial need

To apply, please send the above documents to the event organiser by the bursary deadline. Please ensure you have completed the online application before applying for a bursary.

Bursary deadline: 1 August 2023

Additional funding opportunities

Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

Extra accommodation
If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the course dates, please contact the Conference Centre directly.Accommodation services phishing scam – please be vigilant. More information.