Earlier this week, the NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) launched a roadmap aimed at producing a new strategy for expanding genomics research and applications by October 2020, coinciding with the 30^th anniversary of the launch of the Human Genome Project. The roadmap will involve stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, private sectors, patient groups, thought leaders in the scientific and medical industries, and the public.

The NHGRI plans to focus on less-developed areas of genomics, as well as areas that are not specific to diseases or physiologies, and applications that will benefit greatly from large investments. This includes developing technological innovations for genomics, using genomic data in clinical care, analyzing genomic variation, monitoring genomic activity in interaction with its environment, developing genomic policy, and examining the legal, social and ethical implications of genomics. Areas that have already been established and well-funded in the past will be less explored, such as cancer and microbial genomics.

The new strategy will focus on five categories: basic genomics and genomic technologies; genomics of disease; genomic and precision medicine; genomic data science; and society, education and engagement.

Source: National Human Genome Research Institute