Event Report: Biology of Genomes

1. Please describe the event you attended.

Biology of Genomes is an annual meeting held at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) research institution in New York. The meeting focuses on the latest advances in genomic technologies and their applications in various research fields, including addressing complex diseases and cancer, ecology and evolution of humans and non-human species. 

2. What drew you to attend this event? 

Biology of Genomes is world renounced for showcasing cutting-edge genomic research. I was very excited to be given the opportunity to attend and share my research, which focuses on the genomic and proteomic basis of delirium. 

3. How was your experience attending the event? What were the highlights and key moments?

Overall, I think my attendance to the meeting was highly insightful. The tight schedule offered many opportunities to broaden my scientific knowledge and for networking. Some of the highlights include:

• A panel discussion on the societal implications of the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare genomic research.
• A keynote speech on progress towards understating the genetic basis of Huntington disease, highlighting the struggles and changing perspectives that underlie scientific research.
• The well-attending poster sessions, allowing early career and senior researchers from all over the world to share their work and connect. 

4. How was this event relevant to your research, interdisciplinarity and the ACRC Academy? 

I presented a poster of my PhD work during one of the designated poster sessions, which allowed me to discuss with experts from diverse fields, including clinicians, geneticists, data scientists and others. Furthermore, many of the meeting’s talks and posters discussed current and emerging approaches in tackling complex ageing-related diseases as well as their translational potential. This gave me insight into ideas that I can incorporate into my research. 

5. Any lessons learnt / best practices that you’d like to share

The meeting highlighted the importance of including diverse populations in genomic research and to consider the broader social impact of one’s research.