Addressing underrepresentation in genomics research through community engagement

The vision of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is that people everywhere will realize the benefits of human genetics and genomics. Implicit in that vision is the importance of ensuring that the benefits of human genetics and genomics research are realized in ways that minimize harms and maximize benefits, a goal that can only be achieved through focused efforts to address health inequities and increase the representation of underrepresented communities in genetics and genomics research. This guidance is intended to advance community engagement as an approach that can be used across the research lifecycle. Community engagement uniquely offers researchers in human genetics and genomics an opportunity to pursue that vision successfully, including by addressing underrepresen-tation in genomics research.

Automated summary

The American Society of Human Genetics envisions the realization of the benefits of human genetics and genomics for people worldwide. This can only be achieved by addressing health inequities and increasing the representation of underrepresented communities in genetics and genomics research. Community engagement provides a unique opportunity for researchers in this field to pursue this vision successfully.