Media Advisory
Media Contact:
ASHG Press Office
301-634-7307
press@ashg.org
Dr. Collins to Present on Future Directions in Genetics Research in a Special Symposium and Press Q&A at ASHG 2010 Meeting in Washington, D.C.
WHAT:
ASHG 2010 Special Symposium and Press Q&A Session: “Looking Toward a Healthier Future: Perspectives from the NIH”
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) will be hosting a special symposium titled, “Looking Toward a Healthier Future: Perspectives from the NIH” featuring NIH Director Dr. Francis S. Collins as the keynote speaker at the ASHG 60th Annual Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Collins’ keynote presentation on “Exceptional Research Opportunities in Human Genetics in 2010” will address issues surrounding current priorities and support of bioscience and research policy for the nation. His presentation will also provide insight into future directions of research at NIH, and give an overview of some of the research areas funded by NIH.
Immediately following his keynote presentation, Dr. Collins will host a special press Q&A session from 1:15-1:45 p.m. in the ASHG Press Briefing Room (Room #101) located on the ground level of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This Q&A session will give press attendees the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open discussion with the current NIH Director on relevant issues and topics of interest.
Some of the key research issues and topics that Dr. Collins may address in his keynote talk and the press Q&A session include:
- The future of stem cell research
- NIH Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) (and outcomes from the NIH GTR public stakeholder forum that will be held Tues., Nov. 2 at the ASHG 2010 Meeting)
- Personalized medicine and the translation and applications of genomic research in health care practice
- Current and future research funding priorities of the NIH
- Major policy issues that the science community should focus on
WHO:
The following speakers will be featured in the ASHG 2010 Special Symposium:
- Introduction: Charles Lee, PhD (2010 ASHG Program Committee Chair) Director, Molecular Genetic Research Unit & Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School; Clinical Cytogeneticist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Keynote: “Exceptional Research Opportunities in Human Genetics in 2010”: Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
WHEN:
Saturday, November 6, 2010:
- 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT Special Symposium: “Looking Toward a Healthier Future: Perspectives from the NIH” featuring keynote speaker: NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins (Exhibit Hall C, Lower Level, D.C. Convention Center)
- 1:15- :45 p.m. EDT Press Q&ASession with Dr. Francis Collins (ASHG Press Office, Room 102B, D.C. Convention Center)
WHERE:
Walter E. Washington Convention Center* 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 (*See meeting rooms listed in section above)
WHY:
Issues related to federal funding of scientific research endeavors are currently a hot topic of debate in our nation, and the implementation and translation of knowledge learned from federally funded research will play an important role in shaping the future of clinical practice in the U.S. health care system.
Since the ASHG 2010 Annual Meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. – the seat of policy and legislative power for the United States, and the seat of the competitive grants process at the National Institutes of Health – this year’s featured keynote speaker will be NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins who will discuss important issues surrounding current research priorities and support of bioscience and research policy for the nation in his presentation titled, “Exceptional Research Opportunities in Human Genetics in 2010.”
PRESS REGISTRATION FOR ASHG 2010 MEETING
If you wish to register to attend the ASHG 2010 Annual Meeting as a member of the press, please complete the online press pre-registration form at the following link by the deadline on October 28, 2010. For all other media inquiries, contact ASHG Press Office, ASHG Communications Manager, via e-mail at press@ashg.org, or call .
ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HUMAN GENETICS
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. The nearly 8,000 members of ASHG include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in human genetics. The Society’s mission is to serve research scientists, health professionals and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG); (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, teachers, students and the general public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information about ASHG, please visit http://www.ashg.org.