Gilad Almogy, PhD, founder and CEO of Ultima Genomics
Jodi Barrientos, CEO of Ribbon Biolabs
Segun Fatumo, PhD, professor and chair of genomic diversity at Queen Mary University of London
Ada Hamosh, MD, MPH, professor and clinical director in the Department of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University
Gail Jarvik, MD, PhD, head of the Division of Medical Genetics and professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington Medical Center
Some of the responses, shared below, have been lightly edited.
GEN: What are you most looking forward to at ASHG this year?
Fatumo: I’m excited to see the latest advancements in genetic and genomic research, especially those focusing on genomic diversity and underrepresented populations. ASHG offers a unique opportunity to discuss collaborative projects that could push the boundaries of genomics research globally. I’m particularly intrigued by sessions that explore these critical topics and innovative omics technologies.
Barrientos: I’m eagerly anticipating updates on the “Paths from Bench to Bedside.” My involvement in a synthetic biology company centers around facilitating impactful innovations in human health, focusing on methods for disease prevention, therapeutics, and even cures for chronic inherited conditions. This year, I look forward to engaging with trailblazers behind the latest scientific discoveries driving these essential pathways.
Almogy: With the recent launch of our groundbreaking sequencer, UG 100™, we are enthusiastic about connecting with users to understand how our technology empowers them to redefine the scale of their scientific endeavors. By drastically reducing sequencing costs, we enable researchers to delve deeper into their projects. We plan to present a collection of posters and abstracts that showcase this novel capability. Additionally, we are keen to highlight how customers employ our ppmSeq™ technology in diverse oncology applications, while also anticipating partner announcements that reveal how they leverage the UG 100™ for large-scale experiments and population studies.
Jarvik: I’m especially looking forward to receiving the prestigious 2024 Mentorship Award, followed by reconnecting with colleagues and learning about new advancements in our field.
Hamosh: The opportunity to engage with new science, rekindle friendships, and forge new connections is something I greatly anticipate.
GEN: Do you think there will be any surprises this year? If so, what?
Barrientos: It wouldn’t be ASHG without some exciting surprises! I anticipate sequencing companies unveiling new and sophisticated capabilities. Given the emphasis on data and AI, I’m particularly eager to learn about recent outcomes and their implications in this cutting-edge area.
Jarvik: I look forward to significant advances in the genetics of complex disorders.
Hamosh: Given the increasing pressures to publish, it seems less likely that we’ll see unexpected developments. However, there will undoubtedly be buzz about non-coding RNAs as key disease genes.
Fatumo: I wouldn’t be too surprised to witness innovative strategies integrating large-scale genomics data from diverse populations into clinical practice. With a global move towards inclusivity in genomic research, we may witness groundbreaking techniques that could redefine our approach to health disparities.
GEN: We’ll be in Denver during the election week. What are your thoughts on how the results might impact the future of scientific research/biotech?
Jarvik: Many scientists are deeply concerned about how the election could affect science. Personally, I resonate with the Nobel laureates who voiced their apprehensions regarding these implications. The outcome will likely cast a shadow over the week’s discussions.
Hamosh: Addressing such contrasting views feels overwhelming, given their implications.
Fatumo: While I cannot vote in the U.S. election, it’s clear that policy decisions made here have global ramifications. A favorable election outcome with respect to research funding, particularly in genomics and biotech, could significantly accelerate scientific progress. I hope for policies that emphasize inclusivity, foster international collaboration, and establish ethical guidelines for emerging genetic technologies.
Barrientos: The uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming election is palpable. Prominent candidates represent various approaches to enhancing health, wealth, and quality of life. However, their visions cannot materialize without sustained investment in the public and private sectors of the scientific community. Regardless of the outcome, the resilience of the scientific community is unwavering. It will ultimately be up to the selected candidate to empower our capacity for speed and innovation. In the meantime, we should focus on exercising our right to vote, especially since the conference overlaps with the election.
The Buzz of ASHG: What the Experts Think
Ah, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) gathering—a conference where scientists don’t just exchange notes but also test their social skills! It’s like a family reunion, but instead of awkward conversations about your cousin’s new job, you get to discuss sequencing tech and genomic diversity. And looking at the lineup of thought leaders, it’s almost like the Avengers of genetics are assembling to tackle the mysteries of life itself. Let’s dive into what these brilliant minds are expecting this year!
What Are the Big Brains Excited About?
- Segun Fatumo is buzzing about “genomic diversity and underrepresented populations.” Talk about opening up the genetic playground! It’s like adding more colors to an artist’s palette. We’re talking about pushing the boundaries—not just knowing your genes but knowing them well enough to throw a dinner party!
- Jodi Barrientos is ready to chat about “Paths from Bench to Bedside.” She’s got that synthetic biology mojo, hoping to fast-track some disease breakthroughs—a bit like upgrading your iPhone but way more impactful. Imagine: curing diseases faster than you can say, “What’s a genome?”
- Gilad Almogy, fresh off launching the UG 100 sequencer, is all about redefining scientific scales! If he’s not careful, he might end up working on intergalactic projects. He’s driving down sequencing costs faster than I can finish my double espresso. And with exciting partnerships on the horizon, the excitement is palpable—almost like anticipating a new Marvel trailer.
- Gail Jarvik is in it for “the 2024 Mentorship Award.” Who wouldn’t want to receive an award while surrounded by some of the brightest minds? If awards were like Olympic medals, she’d be on the podium, popcorn in hand, enjoying the camaraderie.
- Ada Hamosh is also eager to reconnect with the scientific community. It’s like she’s got a class reunion with her DNA buddies—ready to reminisce about the good old times while integrating new findings.
Hold Onto Your Pipettes—Surprises Ahead!
Now, what about surprises? Barrientos promises excitement from the sequencing companies—because nothing says surprise like unveiling new tech that can analyze your genome faster than you can say “gene therapy!”
Fatumo isn’t expecting fireworks, but perhaps some innovative approaches to merging vast genomic data into clinical settings. It’s all about inclusivity, folks—like running a marathon where everyone finishes together, regardless of speed!
The Election Hangover: Impact on Scientific Research
As if the science isn’t complicated enough, there’s an election looming over us like a cloud waiting to rain down. Jarvik has some serious concerns about how the electoral outcome might sting research funding. It’s almost like when you pull the wrong emoji in a text—one bad choice, and you could accidentally ruin everything!
Fatumo points out that U.S. policies echo globally. If the election goes a certain way, we could see a ripple effect that transforms how science operates—not just in the States but everywhere! It’s like one domino falling in a galaxy far, far away and impacting the entire universe.
As for Barrientos? She says it’s not just about surviving the storm but thriving under it. The scientific community is like a resilient weed—you might try to trim it, but it always bounces back, possibly with a greater vigor to do epic scientific feats.
Conclusion: The Genetic Jamboree Awaits!
So, whether you’re a scientist gearing up for another head-scratching event at ASHG or just someone curious about the future of genomics, the anticipation is palpable. As these experts mingle, discuss, and perhaps even juggle some beakers, we can only hope that their discoveries pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive world. And who knows, maybe a few of them will even develop a teleportation device while they’re at it! Now wouldn’t that be a surprise?
Stay tuned, dear readers; the future of genetics is unfolding, and it’s bound to be an adventure!
There you go! A cheeky yet insightful take on the ASHG conference, blending humor with educational content—it’s sure to entertain and inform!
Tific Research
As the ASHG conference coincides with election week in the U.S., the experts share their thoughts on how the results may resonate through the scientific community. Gail Jarvik echoes concerns voiced by Nobel laureates about the potential implications for science, suggesting that the outcome could overshadow discussions throughout the week.
Ada Hamosh brings attention to the contrasting views surrounding the elections and their overwhelming implications, highlighting the tangible effects on scientific discourse and innovation.
Segun Fatumo stresses the global ripple effects of U.S. policy decisions, advocating for elected officials who prioritize research funding and inclusivity in genomics. She hopes for policies that promote collaboration and ethical use of genetic technologies, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the scientific landscape for everyone’s benefit.
Jodi Barrientos expresses concern over the election’s uncertainty and the varying visions proposed by candidates for enhancing health and quality of life. She underscores the necessity of sustained investment in science, reiterating the resilience of the scientific community regardless of the election outcome. Barrientos also urges attendees to exercise their voting rights, appealing to the civic duty that accompanies the conference during such a pivotal moment.
Conclusion
The ASHG gathering is not just a fusion of scientific minds; it’s a convergence of hopes, aspirations, and uncertainties. While excitement brews over genetic advancements and technology, the shadow of the elections looms large, adding an element of unpredictability to the proceedings. As experts prepare to delve deep into the world of genomics, they also remain vigilant about the broader implications of their work and the future landscape of scientific research.
