NHGRI hosts open session to discuss human genetics and genomics workforce demographics – National Human Genome Research Institute

As part of NHGRI’s efforts to champion a more diverse genomics workforce, the Human Genetics & Genomics Workforce Survey Report was published earlier this month. The first-of-its-kind study was funded by NHGRI and released by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), in cooperation with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and others.

The report concludes that efforts to enhance diversity in the genomics field must improve. With over 4,000 survey respondents, the majority identify as U.S. citizens (73.3%) and their race, ethnicity or ancestry as white (67%). The top three primary areas of work for employed respondents include genetic counseling, research and academia. Women made up the majority of respondents (74.7%), while 23.3% of respondents identified as men and 0.5% identified as nonbinary or transgender. 6.9% of respondents identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA).

Enhancing the diversity of the workforce remains a crucial goal for the field of human genomics. NHGRI is proud to support this examination of the current state of the genomics workforce. The institute also remains committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and across the workforce to achieve the highest level of genomic innovation, reduce health disparities and foster health equity in areas related to genomics and genomic medicine.