Julian Heng, Jessica Gaff and Shelley Waters.
This year, the 24th Human Genome Meeting HGM2020 will be held in Perth and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) researchers Julian Heng, Jessica Gaff and Shelley Waters will be celebrating months of hard work to help get the show on the road as members of the conference local organising committees.
Julian is helping to organise the main conference, which will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5-8 April, and is proudly supported by CHIRI.
“Since the human genome sequencing project was completed 17 years ago, we are learning more and more about our genetic makeup, and how it influences our health and wellbeing,” says Julian.
“To this end, the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) has held its annual Human Genome Meeting to bring together genetic and genomic researchers, industry partners, bio-tech companies, and pharmaceutical giants to showcase their current genome research and technological advances.”
More than 30 invited experts in genomics will speak at the conference, which includes 40 slots for speakers submitted from abstracts, four plenary sessions, 16 symposia and industry workshops among its program.
Jessica and Shelley are on the organising committee for one of the symposia – the Early Career Researcher (ECR) Symposium Organising Committee – which will take place before the main conference on 5 April. The event invites students and post-docs to speak about their work, with some provided the opportunity to speak at the main meeting.
Julian, whose research investigates the genetic causes of human brain disorders, such as epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disability, is looking forward to having the world’s genomics community converging in Perth.
“HGM2020 is an excellent forum to meet researchers and make friends united in the investigation of genetic factors which influence the development, homeostasis and healthy ageing of humans,” he said.
“We are delighted that Perth is the location for this premier genome meeting, and many international speakers will come to give great talks. Overseas registration has been very strong and the program is shaping up to be outstanding.
“The Local Organising Committee are in the final stages of organising the program, and we look forward to very strong local and national participation to complement our overseas delegates.”
Registrations and poster abstract submissions are now open and will close on 28 February 2020.
More information is available on the conference website: http://hugo-hgm2020.org/.
