Summit date- August 28 - September 28, 2019
Application deadline- December 2010 ,2018
Eligibility- healthcare professionals and trainees from developing nations that are in their early-mid careers
The Human Genome Project (HGP), led by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at NIH, was the world's largest, government sponsored, collaborative, biological project that led to the development of a reference sequence for the human genome. This effort benefitted both medical research and the practice of medicine worldwide, as it provided new insights into the genetic contributions to disease.
Many scientists and consortia are now working on collecting data on variations in human genes and their association with disease (e.g. Human Variome Project, UNESCO, ClinVar, ExAC etc.). It is anticipated that these efforts will help find new, improved and cost-effective approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, thereby reducing the burden of disease and disability, and alleviating the economic stress attributed by these conditions on the world's most vulnerable populations.
This Summit is a 5-year initiative (2016-2020) designed to help developing nations build and expand their knowledge base, infrastructure, systems, research efforts and technologies in human genetics and genomics. Increasing their access to these resources will help them build capacity in these areas and will help resource-poor countries address their public health challenges in genetic diseases. This will ultimately help build healthier nations worldwide.
Eligibility and Application
The program is intended to train healthcare professionals and trainees from developing nations that are in their early-mid careers. The curriculum is designed in English for healthcare professionals with an advanced understanding of the biological sciences. Hence, research scientists (Ph.D.), physicians (M.B.B.S./M.D.), dentists (D.D.S./D.M.D.), dentist-scientists, nurses (M.S./Ph.D.), counselors (M.S./Ph.D.) and medical, dental and graduate school trainees can apply. Selected candidates will be fully sponsored (travel, local transportation in the United States, lodging and per diem) for the duration of the summit (Aug 28th - Sept. 28th, 2019). Participants will share lodging quarters with another participant (same sex) to reduce costs. Attendance on all days and of all events is required. Self-sponsorship may be possible, provided seats are available.
In order to measure the success of this program, candidates will be required to participate in:
- A pre- and post-survey to each day's curriculum and at the end of the Summit.
- An intermediate report (1-2 years, as determined) on their professional development and career choices and advancements in genomics.
- Follow-up reports every year to measure their ability to successfully integrate their learning in research and practice, by:
- The number of collaborations established and publications.
- Systems established to record, track and monitor the occurrence and re-occurrence of congenital birth defects and genetic diseases.
- Number of cases identified, diagnosed and treated.
- Number of cases referred for counseling and for medical management of the condition.
- Improvement in the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.
- The multiplier effect resulting from their return to their countries to build capacity (train others, set up research/clinical facilities, introduce genomics in the curriculum etc.) and strengthen their curricula, research and healthcare systems.
Interested and qualified candidates must apply on official letterhead and signatures, with:
- Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter, not to exceed 2 pages indicating-
- Their interest in attending the Summit.
- Specification of the area in which 'tailored' training is desired, based on interests and needs.
- The impact the Summit will have on their careers, in Genetics and Genomics.
- Plans to implement the knowledge gained to address the public health challenges specific to their nation.
- Their ability and commitment for continued evaluation over a 5-year period.
- Three letters of recommendation on official letterhead signed by-
- Immediate supervisor
- Head/Chair of the Department
- Dean of Institution
- Vice Chancellor of the University
- Employer
- Professors for trainees currently in medical or graduate school
For more information, visit https://www.genome.gov/27563951/an-international-summit-in-human-genetics-and-genomics/
How to Apply:
We are now accepting applications for the 2019 Summit. A 'complete' application package must be submitted via email to mkaur@mail.nih.gov by December 10, 2018. Selections are on a rolling basis and seats are limited so please apply early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
