Genetics and Genomics Workforce Survey - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is conducting the survey?

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), in partnership with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), is conducting a survey to better understand the demographics of the genetics and genomics workforce, as well as the climate and culture in training programs and the workplace. We are pleased to also be working with groups such as the Association of Professors of Human and Medical Genetics (APHMG), the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), and the Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN). The project is funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).

Why is this survey being conducted?

The primary aim of the survey is to assess the current demographic landscape of the genetics and genomics workforce and to develop recommendations for evidence-based strategies to enhance diversity within the workforce. This survey also seeks information about workforce culture and climate to understand and determine the factors affecting building an inclusive profession. Two different surveys will help us collect this information.

Individual Survey: This survey will ask questions about your demographics, education, career & training, program culture & satisfaction, and workplace climate. Sent to ASHG Members (includes NSGC, ACMG, ABMGG and APHMG members) – Survey is now closed.
Institutional Survey: Sent to leaders of genetics and genomics departments and programs – Survey closes May 18, 2021.
- Academic: This survey will ask questions about the number and demographics of faculty members, staff and students within your department or program, as well as the professional resources and programs available to faculty and staff.
- Non-academic: This survey will ask about the number and demographics of employees within your organization, as well as the professional resources and programs available to your employees.

Importance of Your Participation

Why is my participation important? How will my answers be used?

We need your help to obtain accurate results on the current demographics of the genetics and genomics workforce job market.

We do not want to leave anyone out. Every voice must be counted. We want to understand the current demographics and experiences of the entire population of the genetics and genomics workforce in the US.

Results from this survey will be used to establish the current demographic landscape of the genetics and genomics workforce and to develop ways to better serve all geneticists and genomics professionals. By helping us better understand your experiences, you will be helping create a better genetics and genomics workforce.

Why are there demographic questions? How will they be used?

The collection of demographic data is important for this workforce census survey. The responses will be used to conduct national demographic analysis. The results of this project will be used to engage the profession in developing strategies to address barriers to diversity and inclusion within the community.

As a genetics and genomics community we understand collecting age, sex, education, disability race, and ethnicity information is personal and we strive to ensure everyone is represented properly. In order to compare the workforce race and ethnicity demographic results with other studies, we are using the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards and the All of Us study questions to collect data. It is our hope that you will complete these questions. We will also give everyone an opportunity to list their ethnicity (community affiliation) and/or ancestry (bio-geographical) in an open-ended question.

Survey Design & Dissemination

How was the survey designed to collect demographics workforce data?

ASHG worked with the Statistical Research Center of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) to design the survey. An Alliance for Genetics and Genomics Workforce Diversity Advisory Group has provided advice on survey design. The group consists of members of allied genetics and genomics societies, institutions and other organizations committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Each question has been designed in alignment with the standard practices of the American Association for Public Opinion Research and AIP’s over 20 years of designing surveys for scientific professional societies.

When will the survey take place?

The survey will be disseminated February 2021 to early March 2021 and will be open for 6-8 weeks.

Who is invited to take the survey? Why am receiving two survey invitations?

Two different surveys will be disseminated for the study. Some people will receive both surveys if they lead a department, program or organization in the genetics and genomics workforce.

Individual Survey: Members of ASHG, ACMG, NSGC, ABMGG and APHMG.
Institutional Survey: Leaders of academic and non-academic genetics and genomics departments, programs and organizations.

Who should complete the survey?

All members of the genetic and genomic workforce should complete the survey. This includes, but not limited to, the following categories:

Undergraduate Student
Graduate Student
Medical Student
Resident
Clinical or Other Fellow
Postdoctoral
Early-Career Professional
Career Professional
Retiree
Currently Unemployed

How can I complete this survey?

The Statistical Research Center of the American Institute of Physics will send you an email request containing a personalized link to complete the survey. The link is unique to you and should not be shared. You will automatically be redirected to the Statistical Research Center’s secure website where you can complete the survey.

How long will it take to complete the survey?

Individual Survey: Approximately 15-20 minutes. You will be allowed to save and return to the survey as needed.
Institutional Survey: Approximately 15-20 minutes. You will be allowed to save and return to the survey as needed.

How will the results be reported?

Results from the survey will be disseminated via written reports, journal publications, and presentations at different meetings.

How often will the survey be disseminated?

The survey will be disseminated every 5 years to assess the landscape demographics of the genetics and genomics workforce.

Data Privacy & Technical Issues

How will my information be protected? How do I know my information is safe? Will you share my data?

Your responses are confidential and will be hosted on a secure server. Your responses will only be used for this project.
Your data will not be shared.
No personally identifiable information will be reported.

Who receives the survey results?

The results will be analyzed and made available to ASHG in aggregate form only. All responses will be confidential.

I’m experiencing trouble opening the survey. Can I complete the survey on any internet browser?

You can access and complete the survey on any internet browser. If you continue to experience technical difficulties, please contact the following individuals:

Individual Survey: Courtney Walsh, Survey Scientist, Statistical Research Center at cwalsh@aip.org
Institutional Survey: Anne Marie Porter, Survey Scientist, Statistical Research Center at amporter@aip.org

Whom do I contact if I have additional questions, recommendations, or issues? Who do I contact if I did not receive an email survey invitation?

Individual Survey: Courtney Walsh, Survey Scientist, Statistical Research Center at cwalsh@aip.org
Institutional Survey: Anne Marie Porter, Survey Scientist, Statistical Research Center at amporter@aip.org

Can I forward the survey link to my coworker?

No. Each survey link is unique. Only one person can use a survey link. Everyone must use the survey link they were emailed.

Alliance for Genetics and Genomics Workforce Diversity Advisory Group

The Alliance for Genetics and Genomics Workforce Diversity Advisory Group shall assess the demographic landscape of the U.S. genetics and genomics workforce and provide advice on strategies to increase workforce diversity, equity and inclusion. With direction from NHGRI and ASHG, the group will provide input and guide the development of a U.S. genomic landscape report including climate and culture in the genetics and genomics field. The advisory group consists of members of allied genetics and genomics societies, institutions and other organizations committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The advisory group will meet virtually and in-person at allied member society annual meetings and other events.

Advisory Group Members

Co-Chair: Claudia Gonzaga-Jauregui, PhD, Regeneron (ASHG)
Co-Chair: Neil Risch, PhD, University of California, San Francisco (ASHG)
Fuki M. Hisama, MD, FACMG, University of Washington, Medical Center (ACMG)
Derrick Morton, PhD, Kaiser Permanente / Caltech (Member at Large)
Tiffany Oliver, PhD, Spelman College (ASHG)
Fabiola Quintero-Rivera, MD, FACMG, University of California, Irvine (ACMG/APHMG)
Michelle Takemoto, MS, CGC, Minority Genetic Professionals Network (Member at Large)
Herman Taylor, PhD, Morehouse School of Medicine (Member at Large)
Nicole E. Thompson, MS, Howard University Hospital – Cancer Center (NSGC)
Barbara Willis Harrison, MS, CGC, Howard University (NSGC)

If you have further questions about this survey, please email ASHG at diversity@ashg.org.