NHGRI, Smithsonian and NIH Foundation present conversations on genomics, health

WHAT: The symposium will feature conversations with leaders in the field of genomics whose varied and evocative perspectives illuminate genomic advances in the coming decade and aspects of its relevance for global health. The symposium will include an afternoon and an evening session. Both will be open to the public, who must register but will be admitted free of charge.

WHEN AND WHO: Sept. 30, 2014

Afternoon Program

• 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
  The Future of Genomics ~ Directions in research, roles for private citizens in genetics testing and research, access to genomic testing, and clinical practices.
  Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., Director, NHGRI
  Anne Wojcicki, CEO and Co-Founder, 23andMe
  Richard Lifton, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Genetics and Medicine, Yale University
• 3:15 - 4:45 p.m.
  Genomics and Global Health ~ Considering genomics and Ebola, and cures and treatments for diseases that affect populations in developing countries.
  Pardis Sabeti, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Harvard University and a Senior Associate Member of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
  Charles Rotimi, Ph.D., Director, Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, NHGRI

Evening Program

• 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.
  A Conversation with Carolyn Hax: Ask Me About Health, Genetics, and Dealing with Disease ~ A discussion of questions submitted in advance from registrants.
  Carolyn Hax, Washington Post Advice Columnist
  Barbara Bowles Biesecker, Ph.D., Director, Genetic Counseling Training Program, NHGRI and The Johns Hopkins University
  David Valle, M.D., Professor and Director, Institute of Genetic Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

WHERE: NMNH's Baird Auditorium, ground floor, 10th and Constitution Ave N.W., Washington, D.C.

The symposium is the culmination of a year-long series of public programs accompanying the NHGRI-NMNH collaboration on the exhibition, Genome: Unlocking Life's Code. The exhibition has begun a schedule of traveling engagements across North America. To read more about the traveling exhibition, visit: http://www.genome.gov/27558789/2014-news-release-genome-exhibition-to-depart-smithsonian-for-multicity-tour/.

NHGRI is one of the 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health. NHGRI conducts genomics research in its own labs in Maryland, as well supports genomics research at institutions across the country. Additional information about NHGRI can be found at http://www.genome.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 institutes and centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.