ASHG 2019

3 Oct 2019

Written by Tristan Free (Digital Editor)

Here we answer some popular questions about ASHG 2019 and give some crucial advice on how to make the most out of the meeting if you will be attending.

What is ASHG 2019?

ASHG 2019 is this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. The meeting aims to gather the leading minds in human genetics to share their knowledge and research while providing networking and career advancement opportunities for human geneticists from around the globe.

This year’s meeting will run from 15–19 of October.

What should I look out for at ASHG 2019?

ASHG Welcome & Presidential Address: An Unexceptional President: Tuesday, 15 October, 3:30–4:00 PM. This presentation is a must for any attendee of ASHG. The perfect welcome to the event, this presentation from ASHG President Leslie Biesecker, will introduce the meeting, layout the society’s strategic plan and outline the thesis of the Presidential Symposium on the topic of genetic exceptionalism (Thursday, October 17, 5:30–7:00 PM). Ever the altruist, Biesecker’s approach to presidency mirrors that of his symposium topic, placing the position of the president alongside and in context with that of society members, just as genetics must be considered in the context of the wider field of life sciences.
ASHG William Allan Award Presentation and Lecture: Know Thy Genome. Tuesday, 15 October, 4:20–4:50 PM. ASHG’s most prestigious award, honoring the founder of the first university course in human genetics, William Allan, will this year be presented to Stylianos Antonarakis for his outstanding contributions to genetics, including; genetic basis of Mendelian and complex genetic disease, chromosome 21 biology and Down syndrome, and the genetic factors underlying variation in gene expression and regulation. With his wealth of experience, this presentation promises to be truly fascinating.
Interactive Workshop: Issues of Race, Gender, and Identity on our Doorstep: Experiences and Strategies for Respectful and Informed Dialogue on Genetics. Wednesday, 16 October, 7.15-8.45 AM. Advances in consumer genetic testing, gene editing and reproductive technology in recent years have widened the conversation around identity politics and have also resurfaced the topic of eugenics. This ticketed workshop aims to provide attendees with a toolkit for starting a dialogue that is genuinely inclusive and respectful of all individuals and to discuss strategies for scaling efforts in the USA and around the world. But be fast to book as tickets for workshops are selling fast!
Precision Medicine: Models and Complex Disease: Wednesday,16 October, 4:15–5:45 PM and Pharmacogenomics and Gene Therapy: Saturday, 19 October, 9:45–11:15 AM. New abstract categories have been added to ASHG this year to reflect the recent changes and developments in the field of genetics. These two abstract sessions have been added in order to accommodate the increasing pool of research being conducted that focusses on refining and targeting therapies to an individual’s unique genetic makeup and for therapies that even target the genome itself.
Closing Symposium: What’s on the Horizon? Saturday, 19 October, 1.00-2.00 PM. Another new feature of this year’s meeting. This symposium will collate and summarise all of the most exciting and impactful discoveries that have been unveiled or presented at the meeting and will function as the perfect way to round up the meeting.

How can I meet the BioTechniques team?

BioTechniques Digital Editor, Tristan Free, and Editor in Chief, Francesca Lake, will both be present at ASHG 2019 and are excited to meet as many BioTechniques authors and readers as possible.

If you’re looking to publish, or for an opportunity to communicate your research to a wider audience, email [email protected] to arrange a meeting, or stop by booth #1146 to find out more. We are always on the lookout for new collaborations and contributions to our numerous multimedia offerings on the www.biotechniques.com website.

Answers to some of your most frequently asked questions

Where is ASHG 2019?

ASHG 2019 will be hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston (TX, USA).

When is the registration deadline and cost for ASHG 2019?

The early registration deadline has passed but advance tickets can still be purchased up until 14 October 2019. Tickets can be purchased on site, throughout the conference.

The prices for early registration and onsite registration range from $270 to $885 and $270 to $990 respectively, depending on ASHG membership, employment status and country of origin

What is included in the ASHG 2019 registration fee?

The ASHG registration fee includes access to scientific sessions, the Exhibit & Poster Hall and CoLabs, the ASHG Career Center, the ASHG Opening Networking Reception, plenary sessions, and frequent networking opportunities.