Published: Monday, August 29, 2022, 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, (202) 257-8424, press@ashg.org
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) today announced that the Illumina Corporate Foundation has awarded the Society a $175,000, one-year grant to support the ASHG Learning Center, a website portal that offers scientists from the genetics and genomics field access to professional education videos, webinars, workshops, and other content.
Delivering year-round digital professional education for the genetics and genomics community has been and continues to be a key strategic priority of the Society. With the Illumina Corporate Foundation’s support, ASHG has been growing and expanding its online program offerings to allow geneticists to learn about emerging discoveries and access information on career development, public advocacy and education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members of the genetics and genomics community have especially welcomed and valued these resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Foundation’s renewed commitment will enable ASHG to continue offering these highly valuable digital learning events and content but will importantly enable ASHG to develop and produce micro-learning video content and implement closed captioning across the Society’s live and on-demand digital events and content.
“This grant reflects ASHG’s and Illumina’s shared commitment to programs that advance human genetics and genomics research and promote greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the field,” said ASHG President Charles Rotimi. “Technological advancements, including the availability of closed captioning, can remove barriers to access and bring more awareness, and acceptance, to the accommodations needed by those with disabilities and for whom English is a second language. We are grateful to the Illumina Corporate Foundation for their generosity on this important effort that is at the heart of ASHG’s mission.”
According to Rotimi, implementation of closed captioning will make ASHG digital programs more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of those who are hearing impaired or non-native English speakers and builds on the Society’s commitment to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive human genetics and genomics enterprise.
“We are committed to expanding access to the transformational benefits of genomics and part of that approach is to build genomic literacy through professional education,” said John Frank, Senior Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer at Illumina. “We are proud to support the high-quality content and improved accessibility provided by The American Society of Human Genetics.”
The importance of accessible, year-round digital content for genetics and genomics professionals cannot be overstated. Access to this information allows for ongoing dialogue amongst scientists, boosting engagement and learning outcomes. Powered by the Illumina Corporate Foundation’s support, ASHG digital programs are contributing to the transfer of scientific knowledge and information. This is a critical component of ASHG’s mission and vision that people everywhere realize the benefits of human genetics and genomics research.
For more information, visit ASHG’s Learning Center at https://learning.ashg.org/.
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its community of nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.
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