Using Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Genetics and Genomics Research: Recommendations and implications of the recent National Academies Report

For decades genetics and genomics researchers have used race, ethnicity, ancestry and other population descriptors in research that has opened powerful areas of study of human history and evolution, biology, diseases and heritable traits. But these descriptors are slippery words with hard to pin down meanings. They are also contested words, and the use of "race" as a surrogate for biology or genetics has in particular led to confusion, discrimination and increased race-based health inequities. In March, a national committee co-chaired by Duke Professor Charmaine Royal issued a report that emphasized the high stakes of ensuring that genetics research benefits all groups in society and mitigates harm. This symposium will highlight and stimulate discussion about the recommendations from the NASEM report and will include brief presentations from Drs. Royal and Chakravarti, who co-chaired the report, followed by a panel discussion.