2025 Quantitative Genetics and Genomics Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

Project Summary The application seeks partial support for the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Quantitative Genetics and Genomics to be held in Lucca, Italy on February 15-21, 2025. The subtitle of the conference is “The Interactive Effects of Genetics, Environment, and Ontogeny on Quantitative Traits”. Almost all biological traits of importance are complex, with variation in such traits being controlled by many genes of small effect and environmental influences. Elucidation of the causes of variation in complex traits between individuals is critical to our understanding of the etiology of human health and disease, ultimately leading to personalized medicine. Our overarching theme includes a focus on longitudinal studies, including disease and developmental trajectories, response to environmental changes, and gene-by- environment interactions. In particular, we aim to discuss how the hundreds of genetic associations we have found for complex traits may be transformed into biological understanding—an ongoing and challenging endeavour. The outcomes from this research include new drug targets and information to support personalised or precision medicine. The overall aim of the conference and seminar is to bring together scientists working in the field of quantitative genetics and genomics to exchange information on the latest results in the field and to discuss the implications of these results. By creating an environment for networking, this conference will promote communication between scientists in the field, encourage new collaborations among those attending, and build a community for early career scientists. The funding sought from NHGRI is to support graduate students, post docs, early career scientists and underrepresented groups to attend the seminar and conference by assisting them with travel and registration costs. The proposed project supports the mission of the NHGRI by enhancing the pool of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who are receiving training and/or conducting genomics research. The 2025 GRC on Quantitative Genetics and Genomics further supports the mission by providing an environment by which genomic researchers can discuss current and future research in all areas of quantitative genetics and genomics, including method development, advancement of precision medicine/healthcare, and long-term implications of genomics and bioinformatic research.