Public Policy

Applications for the 2024 cohort are closed. ASHG is committed to helping our members champion human genetics and genomics research, and advocate for policies that support research and advance the field. The Society provides opportunities and resources to support members in engaging with policymakers through the ASHG Advocates network and the Advocacy Center. Building on these successes, ASHG... Read More

Katharine Nichole Holm, PhD,  joined ASHG as the ASHG/NHGRI Genetics & Public Policy Fellow in August. ASHG and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) co-sponsor the Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship to give early-career professionals the opportunity to explore a career in science policy. We spoke with Dr. Holm to learn more about how... Read More

While summer in Washington D.C. is usually a quiet time – both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives traditionally break for a recess for most of the month of August – this year is looking to be the exception.  Congress is having a busier summer than usual as legislation for politically charged issues... Read More

ASHG supports policies that promote genetic and genomic data sharing to advance research and health care with strong protections in place for genetic information. The Society is concerned that a provision in the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA, S.1260), that requires NIH to consider national security risks in the conduct of human genomic... Read More

A draft bill introduced in May 2019 sought to reform Section 101 of the U.S. Patent Act. If passed, the legislation would allow for the patenting of genes by effectively overturning the 2013 Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) vs. Myriad Supreme Court decision. Related: Joint Letter from ASHG and ACMG Leadership to Bill Sponsors (July... Read More