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Strategic vision for improving human health at The Forefront of Genomics

Abstract

Starting with the launch of the Human Genome Project three decades ago, and continuing after its completion in 2003, genomics has progressively come to have a central and catalytic role in basic and translational research. In addition, studies increasingly demonstrate how genomic information can be effectively used in clinical care. In the future, the anticipated advances in technology development, biological insights, and clinical applications (among others) will lead to more widespread integration of genomics into almost all areas of biomedical research, the adoption of genomics into mainstream medical and public-health practices, and an increasing relevance of genomics for everyday life. On behalf of the research community, the National Human Genome Research Institute recently completed a multi-year process of strategic engagement to identify future research priorities and opportunities in human genomics, with an emphasis on health applications. Here we describe the highest-priority elements envisioned for the cutting-edge of human genomics going forward—that is, at ‘The Forefront of Genomics’.

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Fig. 1: Four-area strategic framework at The Forefront of Genomics.
Fig. 2: Funding trends of NIH and NHGRI over the past 30 years.
Fig. 3: Virtuous cycles in human genomics research and clinical care.

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Acknowledgements

The strategic vision described here was formulated on behalf of the NHGRI. We are grateful to the many members of the institute staff for their contributions to the associated planning process (see http://genome.gov/genomics2020 for details) as well as to the numerous external colleagues who provided input to the process and draft versions of this strategic vision. The National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research (current members are J. Botkin, T. Ideker, S. Plon, J. Haines, S. Fodor, R. Irizarry, P. Deverka, W. Chung, M. Craven, H. Dietz, S. Rich, H. Chang, L. Parker, L. Pennacchio, and O. Troyanskaya) ratified the strategic planning process, themes, and priorities associated with this strategic vision.

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Green, E.D., Gunter, C., Biesecker, L.G. et al. Strategic vision for improving human health at The Forefront of Genomics. Nature 586, 683–692 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2817-4

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