Policy

Professionals in science policy work in many different capacities at the interface between science/medicine and public policy. Generally, they fall into two categories, those who infuse public policy with the most current scientific knowledge, and those who develop policy to guide scientific enterprise. Their work can include producing commissioned scientific reports to aid lawmakers in making... Read More

Policy and Advocacy Activities at ASHG 2018 November 2018  One of the many opportunities afforded by this year’s ASHG Annual Meeting in San Diego was the chance to highlight important policy issues affecting genetics, as well as learn more about the Society’s efforts in policy and advocacy. I attended two sessions at this year’s meeting... Read More

Contributed by TDC member Julie Jurgens May 2017 ASHG: What are some of the genetic policy items that ASHG is currently discussing? Dr. Scholes: The Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (HR1313) is currently a major focus. This legislation, recently introduced in the U.S. Congress, would eviscerate key genetic privacy protections in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). GINA prevents employers... Read More

ASHG trainee newsletter writer Irene Park interviewed Christa Wagner, PhD, who is the 2016-2017 ASHG-NHGRI Genetics and Public Policy fellow. Dr. Wagner recently completed her PhD at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she studied genetics and immunology. May 2017  Public policy and science have a large intersection, especially in the field of genetics.... Read More

Director of Science Policy American Society of Human Genetics ASHG: How can trainees gain experience in your field while doing research? What steps are necessary for trainees to get involved in your field? Dr. Scholes: There are opportunities available [in the field of science policy] to you if you’re willing to seek them out and volunteer... Read More