For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 29, 2023, 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, (202) 257-8424, press@ashg.org
“With today’s U.S. Supreme Court decisions, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) stands with the united STEM community to affirm the essential role of a diverse scientific workforce to realize research benefits for people everywhere and to maintain America’s historic competitiveness. That scientific workforce emerges only with a diverse academic student community, and we need more, not fewer, efforts to increase student body diversity and access to STEM careers.
Time and again, research has shown that outcomes are better when teams of people are more diverse, as they tap into richer and more varied viewpoints and experiences. That is true in human genetics research as well. A more diverse workforce has been vital to improving understanding about the inherent commonalities and differences in the human genome, and how insufficient participation among diverse communities in biomedical research both stems from and exacerbates health disparities. In service to this imperative, ASHG is proud to advocate for diverse representation and inclusion in research; pioneer programs like the ASHG Human Genetics Scholars Initiative (HGSI), which engages outstanding trainees and early career scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds; and support other initiatives to better integrate diverse community perspectives and health needs into the human genetics research agenda.
ASHG remains firmly committed to the importance of diversity in the research enterprise, and we will continue to partner within the larger academic research and medical communities to advocate for and support greater diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM educational pathways.”
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its community of nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves 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 and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (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, visit: http://wptest.ashg.org.
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