For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
9:00 am U.S. Eastern Time (UTC-05:00)
Media Contacts:
Jerome del Picchia, ESHG Executive Officer
+43.1.405.13.822 | eo@eshg.org
Nalini Padmanabhan, ASHG Communications Manager
+1.301.634.7346 | press@ashg.org
BETHESDA, MD, USA and VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Two of the world’s largest professional societies of human genetics specialists announced today a formal partnership intended to increase interaction among their members, strengthen collaborations at their annual meetings, and explore partnerships with other societies.
The 8,000-member American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the 2,500-member European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) will provide joint memberships at discount rates, with access to both societies’ journals. In addition, the societies will initiate a series of joint meeting sessions titled “Building Bridges: Towards Global Agreement,” which will begin at the ESHG Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, May 31-June 3, 2014, and continue with a related session at the 2014 ASHG Annual Meeting in San Diego, Calif., October 18-22, 2014.
The elected leadership of both societies praised the new initiatives. ASHG president Cynthia C. Morton, PhD, said, “We’re very pleased to formalize our already productive relationship with ESHG. This partnership recognizes the international nature of our field and the need to ensure that all professionals in human genetics are working toward the same general ends, no matter where they are located.”
Han G. Brunner, MD, PhD, president of ESHG, stated, “ESHG welcomes the opportunity to interact more closely with ASHG in promoting the advancement of knowledge and practice of human genetics. ESHG feels strongly that global collaborations are the way forward, now that the pace of discovery in the field of human genetics is so rapid.”
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 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; (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.
9650 Rockville Pike | Bethesda, MD 20814 | 301.634.7300 | society@ashg.org | www.ashg.org
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About the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG)
The European Society of Human Genetics is a non-profit organization. Founded in 1967, its aims are to promote research in basic and applied human and medical genetics, to ensure high standards in clinical practice and to facilitate contacts between all persons who share these aims, particularly those working in Europe. The Society encourages and seeks to integrate research and its translation into clinical benefits and professional and public education in all areas of human genetics. For more information, visit: http://www.eshg.org.