Dr Manuel Corpas, Lecturer in Life Sciences at the University of Westminster, published a research paper titled Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health in the prestigious journal Cell Genomics. The paper, which investigates how Genomics can be made more inclusive, was published online on 24 August 2023 and will be included with the October 11th print issue of the journal Cell Genomics.
The paper argues that “a lack of diversity in genomics for health continues to hinder equitable leadership and access to precision medicine approaches for underrepresented populations. To avoid perpetuating biases within the genomics workforce and genomic data collection practices, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) must be addressed.”
The study documents the steps taken by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health to build a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for its standards and members. The paper covers the creation of two groups within the Alliance, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and the Regulatory and Ethics Diversity Group, and presents a framework for EDI policy development processes called Reflected in our Teams, Reflected in our Standards.
Dr Corpas is part of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee of The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health. This genomics standards-setting body was formed in 2013 and focuses on the foundational human right to benefit from science and its applications.
Dr Corpas said: “Genomics holds the promise of revolutionising medicine, but its potential is stunted without diverse representation. Equitable leadership and inclusion are vital for ensuring the field benefits all of humanity."
At the University of Westminster, Dr Corpas teaches subjects directed to biomedical practitioners wishing to understand how genomics and big data analysis help them develop more personalised and accurate diagnoses for patients. He provides an extensive array of lectures from next generation sequencing technologies to bioinformatics, international regulation and principles of genetic counselling.
Learn more about Biological and Biomedical Sciences courses at the University of Westminster.
Find out more about the University’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
