Joycelyn Williams, senior biology major, Oakwood University (l), Jherni Fisher, junior Chemistry major, Alabama A&M University (r).
= T he ability to sequence and analyze the hu- man genome changed the course of medi- cal diagnosis and disease treatment. DNA from a simple blood draw can diagnose hundreds of genetic diseases. But, only some populations are reaping the benefits of life-changing genomic discoveries. As of June 2021, 86 percent of genomic studies were conducted on white individuals of European ancestry 1 . Those indi- viduals only comprise 16 percent of the global population, leaving many populations underrepresented and even absent from genomic research. Diverse representation in genomic research facili- tates more discoveries in biology, a better understanding of health disparities, a more accurate prescription of safe and effective treatment to diverse patients, and an improved interpretation of genetic tests. Failure to include sufficient diversity among research participants denies
DIVERSIFYING STEM and testing programs. These include deep-seated mistrust in medical research, concern about how genomic data will be used, data privacy concerns, and lack of access to genomic technology and research trials. Each of Hudson- Alpha’s mission areas is committed to increasing diver- sity across the STEM fields, from patient participation to access to educational and career opportunities.
INCREASING ACCESS TO GENETIC TESTING AND DIVERSITY IN CLINICAL TRIALS
To increase diversity among genomic research partici- pants while increasing minority access to genetic testing, education, and clinical trials, scientists and clinicians must acknowledge and help individuals overcome the barriers to participation in genetic research. This means engaging with and educating underrepresented communities about the benefits of genetic research to their future health. Many research initiatives are trying to increase the diversi- ty in genetic research programs and data sets. Several HudsonAlpha research labs and the genetic counseling team are involved in research initiatives to in- crease access to genetic testing for individuals in rural and underserved communities. Enrolling participants in these studies also contributes meaningful genomic data from
some populations full participation in the benefits of research findings and inhibits a richer understanding of gene-disease relationships among all populations. Critical health-related discoveries and breakthroughs could be ineffective or unsafe for people of non-European descent. The genetics community needs to overcome several barriers to recruit diverse participation in genetic research
HUDSONALPHA INSTITUTE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY
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