FROM THE DESK OF CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER RICK MYERS, PHD T he power of genomics to improve human health and our understanding of the natural world continues to unfold. At HudsonAlpha, we remain at the forefront of this revolution, harnessing the latest advancements in genetic and genomic research to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The two years since our last report were filled with groundbreaking discover- ies, grant funding victories, celebrating trainee accomplishments, and much more. Our researchers authored more than 85 scientific papers and secured more than $10 million in grant funding in 2024. We also hosted two international conferences that brought hundreds of researchers from around the world together on HudsonAlpha’s campus. Six of our talented graduate students successfully defended their PhD dissertations, showcasing the exceptional training and research opportunities we provide. These emerging scientists are now making significant contributions to the field, thanks in part to the strong foundation they received at HudsonAlpha. 2023 marked a significant milestone as we celebrated our 15th anniversary. That year, we successfully hosted numerous public events to mark the occasion, and now the event series is a mainstay on our calendars. Throughout 2024, we hosted 9 public events with more than 4,280 attendees. These events help our community engage with our work, grow support for our research, and deepen our community’s appreciation for genomic science. We are also proud of the expansion and maturation of our training pipelines. Programs like AOMA internships and BRIDGES fellowships provide invaluable opportunities for students from untapped populations to gain hands-on research experience. By fostering a culture that promotes belonging and values the contributions of all of our members, we are cultivating the next generation of genomic scientists and making STEM a more equitable and accessible field. We expanded the reach of our doctoral training programs, with current students training in HudsonAlpha labs now enrolled at Alabama A&M, Auburn University, UAB, UAH, and the University of Georgia. As we look ahead, we remain committed to a future where genomics unlocks the secrets of human health and illuminates the wonders of nature. We are excited to share the latest find- ings from our research programs and to continue our work as a catalyst for innovation and discovery.
Richard M. Myers, PhD Chief Scientific Officer President Emeritus M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics Faculty Investigator
RESEARCH REPORT 2023-2024
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