2018 Yearlong Seminar Series in Public Health Genomics

Advances in genomics, bioinformatics and other technologies are ushering a new era of precision medicine and precision public health. Human genome sequencing is increasingly used in a variety of health systems in the United States and globally. Pathogen genomic sequencing is been rapidly integrated into clinical and public health research and practice. 2018 marked 20 years of public health genomics activities at CDC and elsewhere. To highlight the role of genomics in public health, the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics conducted a 2018 yearlong seminar series, some in collaboration with the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at the National Cancer Institute, and the Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science at National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

The 2018 seminar series kicked off in January with an overall discussion of the impact of human and pathogen genomics on public health research, policy, and programs. In all, by the end of 2018, we would have had 10 seminars, covering the interaction of genomics with a range of fields, including public health surveillance, economics, implementation science, evaluation, behavioral science, genetic risk scores, genome sequencing in health systems, health education, health communication, and health disparities. Most seminars were attended by 100 or more people, either person, or remotely on the web. A summary of all the webinar announcements, slides and videocasts, when available, can be conveniently viewed on this page.

The last seminar of 2018 will be held on November 27, and will feature Dr George Davey Smith, professor of clinical epidemiology at Bristol Medical School in the United Kingdom. He will discuss “What Is Mendelian Randomization and How Can It Be Used as a Tool for Medicine and Public Health? Opportunities and Challenges.” Mendelian randomization is a method that uses genetic variation to link environmental and other exposures to disease. Dr Davey Smith is a world expert in this field and will use examples from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other fields of research and practice.

As we take stock and review the impact of this yearlong series, we would like to hear from our readers and collaborators. If you have feedback on the 2018 series or have ideas for topics that could be included in a public health genomics seminar in 2019, please let us know.

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