NHGRI-ASHG fellowships fulfill critical need in science policy and education

For several years, NHGRI and the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) have provided a pathway for scientists who want to pursue careers in science policy or education. The Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship and the Genetics and Education Fellowship offer effective experiences in the public, private and non-profit arenas to those with graduate education in genetics. These fellowships help build the skills required to inform science policy and education. Our 2016-2017 fellows share what they've accomplished.

Geared to students grade 9-12 worldwide, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest celebrates National DNA Day by asking students to examine, question and reflect on important concepts in genetics. This year's question asks students to describe a disease or condition researchers are attempting to treat and how gene therapy might repair the underlying cause of the disease or condition. Deadline: March 10, 2017, at 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. See: DNA Day Essay Contest

Your family health history can identify whether you are at a higher risk for some diseases. But people don't necessarily know their entire family's health history. A new study shows that asking multiple family members for family health histories can improve the accuracy of both the family's health history and personalized risk assessments. NHGRI intramural researchers published the study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on January 4, 2016.

On June 5-7, 2017, the conference Genomics and Society: Expanding the ELSI Universe will gather ethical, legal and social implications researchers to reflect on current research and discuss future directions. With keynote speakers, plenary panels, workshops, and a wide range of paper, panel, and poster presentations, the Congress will provide an opportunity for scholars to reflect on current research and envision future directions for ELSI research. For more information and to register: elsicon2017.org.

Through a simple blood test, physicians will soon be able to map the fetus' entire collection of genes (the whole genome) using fetal DNA that floats in the mother's blood. But a survey of 1,000 physicians says that ethical guidelines must be developed first. Researchers with the National Human Genome Research Institute published their findings in the December 6th issue of the journal Prenatal Diagnosis.

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National Human Genome Research Institute

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