The ASHG Board of Directors met on November 4-5 in Denver, CO, to review ASHG’s finances, obtain key program updates, and discuss continued implementation of the Society’s strategic plan. The Board approved several recommendations to advance the Society in key areas, including the annual meeting, Board governance, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility efforts, scientific publishing and advocacy efforts. The Board also received updates from the ASHG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and the Professional Practice & Social Implications Committee regarding their recent accomplishments and action plans, demonstrating the society’s strong and capable leadership.
ASHG CEO Amanda Perl reflected on her first six months with the Society and provided an overview of key observations, successes for 2024, priorities for FY2025 and plans for FY2026. Next year, ASHG will continue to focus on innovation at the annual meeting to ensure member satisfaction, engagement, and revenue generation. Education, including career support, resources, and scientific knowledge for members, will be a priority over the next two years. Additionally, ASHG’s future plans involve expanding outreach with current and potential partners to advance policy, advocacy, and public affairs efforts. Membership engagement, recruitment and retention will remain a key focus for the Society.
After receiving an update on the Society’s financial portfolio, the Board reviewed and approved the audited financial statements. The Board also discussed ways to diversify revenue, ASHG’s operating and strategic investment funds, and revenue-generating ideas, including expanding digital programming, year-round programming, and expansion of online workshops. ASHG will continue seeking opportunities to diversify revenue streams in the coming years that will benefit Society and its members.
ASHG’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)
Chief among the topics at the meeting was an update from the ASHG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, highlighting significant successes and ambitious plans. Task Force Chair Athena Starlard-Davenport, PhD provided an overview of ASHG’s DEI efforts, dating back to the 2019 strategic plan, that focused on cementing ASHG as a recognized leader in valuing, driving, and embodying diversity in genomics and genetics. Dr. Starlard-Davenport also presented an updated DEI action plan that focuses on four primary areas: Acknowledging historical and contemporary structural inequities linked to human genetics and genomics; fostering and strengthening pathways for genetics and genomics research professionals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds; sustained emphasis on increasing diversity and inclusion in cohort studies and genomics research participation; and increasing knowledge and professional education opportunities for members.
The Board not only approved the updated Action Plan, but also approved transitioning the task force to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee, reaffirming ASHG’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in genomics and genetics.
The Future of Scientific Publishing
ASHG staff provided an update on the main topics under the publishing umbrella, including the AJHG Editor in Chief search, the journal’s impact factor, and strategies to continue advancing both AJHG and HGG Advances. The Board discussed ways to increase the journal’s impact factor and the open science mandate from the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy that will impact the publishing community.
The Editors-in-Chief of AJHG and HGG Advances reported that both journals are performing well and receiving high-quality submissions reflecting the breadth and depth of the field. The focus continues to be on sustainability and leveraging relationships with AJHG and ASHG. Both journals have a positive trajectory of submissions and publications and are competitive with journals in the field. AJHG remains one of the most highly cited journals in human genetics and genomics, but there is potential for increased visibility. Both journals are well-positioned to benefit from the increasing trend in open-access publishing and an increased global presence. The Board commended the editorial teams for their continued leadership.
Advancing ASHG’s Policy Platform
The Board received an update on ASHG’s Policy Platform and Advocacy Strategies from Anthony Wynshaw-Boris, MD, PhD, Government & Public Advocacy Committee (GPAC) Chair. They discussed the importance of ASHG’s focus and preparedness for policy and advocacy given the changing legislative environment and evolving landscape of emerging issues, including the increasing mistrust of science by the public and political leaders. The Board also approved an updated policy priority list, which will serve as the basis for our advocacy efforts in 2025.
Professional Practice & Social Implications (PPSI) Committee
Andrew Landstrom, MD, PhD, Rosario Isasi, JD, and Mathew Taylor, MD, Professional Practice & Social Implications (PPSI) Committee Co-Chairs and incoming Co-Chair, provided the Board with an update on the committee’s work, key accomplishments, revised priorities, and recommended next steps. As a follow-up to the Spring 2024 Board meeting, the PPSI Committee clarified board inquiries and discussed the narrower scope of the revised action plan. The committee is re-prioritizing the creation of guidance documents and related resources. The Board approved the recommended Action Plan.