HUMAN GENOME MEETING (HGM) 2025

"From Africa to the World: Exploring African Diversity through Human Genomes"

Register now to secure standard rates! Limited time offer.

HGM2025 will be held in Durban, South Africa on 11 - 14 March, 2025.

The symposiums, workshops, exhibition, welcome reception will be held in the many meeting venues at Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel, an iconic hotel in Durban from 12 - 14 March. The Trainee Symposium Day for students, post-docs, and early-career researchers will be held on March 11th at University of Kwazulu-Natal.

We're excited to have you join us for a day of learning, networking, and growth. Enjoy the symposium and experience the natural landscapes and special features of Durban!

Please register and submit abstract for your presentation! Late submissions after December 14th, 2024 will be only considered as the poster presentation.

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

Genome Sequencing (Exome Analysis)

Nara Sobreira, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA

Pangenome Workshop

Karen Miga, UCSC, USA

Variant Interpretation 

Andreas Laner, MGZ, Germany
 Robert Kuhn, UCSC, USA

All About Tools (ClinGen, GenCC, OMIM, GeneMatcher, gnomAD)

Ada Hamosh, Johns Hopkins University, USA

Skills for Competencies for Multi-Disciplinary Genomic Healthcare

HUGO Education Committee

*March 12, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel

ETHICS WORKSHOPS

Re-Examining the Assumptions: Population-Specific Reference Genomes, 
Genomic Sovereignty and Global Health Equity

HUGO Committee on Ethics, Law and Society (CELS)

*March 12, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel

PLENARY SESSIONS

Plenary 1: Hemoglobinopathies

Ambroise Wonkam, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine & University of Cape Town, USA

Genomic Diversity Plenary

Karen Miga, UCSC, USA
Konrad Karczewski, Broad Institute of MIT and Havard, USA

Ma'n Zawati, McGill University, Canada

Panel Discussion Session: Insight on Initiatives - Pangenomes and Genomic Diversity, African Genomes within/outside of Africa

Maria Madalena Chimpolo, Rokhaya Ndiaye, Aime Lumaka, Yosr Hamdi, Iscia Lopes-Cendes, Paul Ogendi, Manjinder Sandhu, Karen Miga, Konrad Karczewski

Plenary 2: 110,000 Genomes in Africa

Rizwana Mia, SAMRC, South Africa

Plenary 3: Data Governance

Collet Dandara, University of Cape Town & H3Africa DBAC (Data and Biospecimen Access Committee), South Africa

*March 12-14, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel

SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS & ABSTRACT TOPICS

Implementation Challenges in Rare Disease

Aime Lumaka, University of Kinshasa, DR Congo
Sukhvinder Nicklen, PacBio & Melissa Nel, University of Cape Town

Bioinformatics (Machine Learning) and Artificial Intelligence for Molecular Medicine

Jin Billy Li, Stanford University, USA

Cancer Genomics

Raj Ramesar, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Single–Cell Genomics and Diversity

Shyam Prabhakar, A*Star Singapore, Singapore

Human Genome Co-evolution and Population Genetics

Segun Fatumo, Queen Mary University of London, UK
Nicola Mulder, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Implementation of Precision Medicine in African / LMIC Context

Michele Ramsay, University of Witwatersland, South Africa
Iscia Lopes-Cendes, University of Campinas, Brazil

Epigenetics and Environmental Genomics

Hans Bjornsson, University of Iceland & Johns Hopkins University, Iceland
Leon Mutesa, University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Microbiome and Metagenomics

Christian Happi, Redeemer's University, Nigeria
Ami Bhatt, Stanford University, USA

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI)

*March 12-14, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel

TRAINEE SYMPOSIUM

Oral Presentations by Students/Post-docs and Early-Career Researchers

Educational Workshop 1 & 2

Mentoring Session with Academic / Industry Mentors

How to Write a Grant / How to Write a Paper

Seminar and Q&A Session with Journal Editors

*March 11, University of Kwazulu-Natal

Discover the Future of Genetic Counselling: Join Our Workshop in HGM2025

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of genetic counselling!

This workshop will take place on March 11th at University of KwaZul-Natal from 1PM to 5PM (South Africa Time) and will also be available online via Zoom. If you choose the General Registration option, you will have access to all HGM2025 programs; however, registration fees will apply. Alternatively, by completing the Genetic Counselling Workshop: Online-Only Registration (https://forms.gle/2k4t72D68e1nV7nw6), you can participate in the online Genetic Counselling Workshop for free. Please select the registration option that suits your needs.

9th HUGO Variant Effect Prediction Training Course

We are excited to invite you to the 9th HUGO Variant Effect Prediction Training Course (VEPTC 2025), taking place in Porto, Portugal, from 28th September to 1st October 2025. This in-person event is designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and tools to excel in DNA variant analysis and interpretation.

Why Attend VEPTC 2025?

Variant interpretation is one of the most complex and time-intensive aspects of genomic testing. VEPTC 2025 is designed to provide participants with the tools, skills, and confidence to navigate this challenging landscape. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, this course offers something for everyone:

• Navigate the Best Tools: Learn to efficiently use genome browsers, including Ensembl, UCSC, and IGV, to streamline your variant analysis workflows.
• Master HGVS Nomenclature: Hands-on workshops will teach you how to name challenging variants and avoid common pitfalls.
• Confidently Classify Variants: Gain practical knowledge of the ACMG classification system, including the latest updates and recommendations.
• Explore Advanced Topics: Delve into specialised areas like RNA analysis and Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) for variant prioritization.

What to Expect?

The course offers a balanced mix of theory and practice, featuring:

• Interactive Learning: A perfect balance of lectures and practical workshops, tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced professionals.
• Expert-Led Sessions: Engage with speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience.
• Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with peers, experts, and leaders in genomics and molecular diagnostics.

Who Should Attend?

VEPTC 2025 is tailored for:

• Molecular geneticists, clinical geneticists, and genetic researchers.
• Professionals working in molecular diagnostics labs or clinical settings analysing DNA sequencing data.
• Data analysts and medical specialists interested in genomic variant interpretation.

Participants should have basic knowledge of molecular biology, sequencing technologies, and genetics.

Course Details

• Dates: 28th September - 1st October 2025
• Location: Porto, Portugal
• Language of Instruction: English
• What to Bring: A laptop for hands-on sessions

Why Porto?

Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and world-famous port wine. The course venue, Vila Galé Hotel, is conveniently located in the city centre, offering both comfortable accommodations and proximity to Porto’s cultural treasures.

Registration Opens January 2025

Mark your calendars! Registration for VEPTC 2025 opens at the end of January 2025. Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot for this highly anticipated event.

💌 Stay in the loop! Sign up for the VEPTC mailing list to receive the latest updates, important announcements, and registration details straight to your inbox—don’t miss a thing!

Learn more here:  🔗 https://www.veptc.hugo-int.org/

Join us in Porto for VEPTC 2025 and take your expertise in variant interpretation to the next level!

Best regards,

The VEPTC2025 Team

Genomic and Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice

Explore the diverse methods and practical cases in "Genomic and Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice" - your essential guide to the latest advancements enhancing patient care.

UTS Cancer Genetic Counselling microcredential is now open for enrollments!

The Genetic Counselling team at University of Technology Sydney have been working on a new offering of online genetic counselling skills focused training. The subject site can be found here Cancer Genetic Counselling.

We’ve designed this subject to provide applied learning in cancer genetic counselling covering an introduction to cancer and genetic testing, including an overview of genetic testing technologies, genetic counselling and working with families, risk assessment and communication in cancer genetic counselling and applying evidence to practice, including working through case studies. The subject will introduce learners to resources that are used across our region and we are developing case studies with support from colleagues internationally.

HUGO Clinical Genomics & Genomic Medicine
Educational Sub-committee Survey

Dear Colleagues,

The Human Genome Organization (HUGO) Clinical Genetics and Genomics Education sub-committee is seeking input on use of genetic and genomic data and resources from practicing physicians.

The survey is intended for a wide range of physicians; however, if you are a clinical geneticist or medical geneticist, this survey is not intended for you. The survey data will be used to develop clinical and general education resources for healthcare providers across the globe. Data collected will be aggregated in a de-identified fashion.  Please assist HUGO’s education effort by taking the survey at the QR Code or link below.

Importantly, please also share the survey across your professional network of physicians or appropriate professional societies. 

The survey can be completed at this link, hosted by The Jackson Laboratory:

https://thejacksonlaboratory.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFlQlvxoIrw62fs

On behalf of the Human Genome Organization, thank you.

HUGO is open for future biddings!

The Human Genome Organization (HUGO) is open for biddings from cities for future HGMs!

If you would like to host the HGM, please refer to the Request to Bid Document.