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Launch of international network for genomics and population health: GraPH-Int
A new international network has been launched that aims to bring together all those interested in the translation of advances in genomic science and technologies into benefits for population health. The network, officially launched on 6 June at the 4th International Conference on DNA Sampling: Genomics and Public Health in Montreal, Canada, is called GraPH-Int, standing for Genome-based Research and Population Health International Network. “Int” also signifies that the network is interdisciplinary and integrated.
The idea for GraPH-Int stems from a multidisciplinary workshop held last year in Bellagio, Italy (see workshop report). The workshop participants decided that the time was right to build on burgeoning efforts in several countries to establish the new discipline of public health genomics. The initial goals of GraPH-Int include providing an international forum for dialogue and collaboration; supporting the development of an international knowledge base for public health genomics; encouraging communication and engagement with the public and other stakeholders; and informing public policy; and promoting education and training.
The Public Health Agency of Canada hosts an administrative hub and website for the network, with a secretariat based at the Centre de Recherche en Droit Public at the University of Montreal. The GraPH-Int website (www.graphint.org) will act as a portal to organisations and activities in public health genomics around the world, and provide information about GraPH-Int’s working groups. Initial working groups have been established on topics including education and training; facilitating integration within the ‘ELSI’ community and between ELSI researchers and others; and defining the research needs of public health genomics. A News and Views section of the website is also being developed.
Speaking at the launch of GRaPH-Int, David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, welcomed the network and endorsed its aim of using new knowledge and interventions deriving from genomics research to benefit the health of populations.