Media release from the Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN)
A national alliance of the brightest minds in genomic science, academia, policy makers, industry and Indigenous leaders will work to break down barriers to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can benefit from advances in genomic medicine if they choose.
The Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) has been formed to ensure Indigenous Australians are considered and included in the application of genomic medicine – where information from DNA is used to better inform patient risk, diagnosis and care. Supported by Telethon Kids Institute, the Australian National University and 28 other key partners, ALIGN will be governed by an Indigenous Council to ensure every ‘gift’ of DNA provided by Indigenous Australians is treated with respect.
The International Congress of Genetics returns to Australia
Today
4 pm: Evensong celebrating science and faith at St Pauls Cathedral – more below
6 pm: Congress opening ceremony with Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, and Congress Chair Kathryn North, Melbourne Convention Centre
Monday
Capturing the genetic code of every species in the Tree of Life.
Nobel Laureate Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, African Biogenome Project leader Anne Muigai, Science Executive Editor Valda Vinson on Women in Science – unique journeys to different peaks, with Jen Martin.
A national centre launched today will bring the benefits of genomics medicine to Indigenous Australians, who still have a life expectancy 10 years less that the general population.
“80 per cent of this life expectancy gap is due to chronic disease,” says Alex Brown, Lead of The Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) and Professor of Indigenous Genomics at the Telethon Kids Institute and the Australian National University. Alex is a member of the Yuin Nation and grew on the NSW South Coast.
“Australia is on the cusp of a new era in personalised medicine that will bring deeper insights into common diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer,” he says.
“ALIGN is a commitment designed by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people, to offer the benefit of genomic medicine to all,” he says.
“Its basic premise is ‘nothing about us, without us.’ This is critical to ensure equity is achieved in health outcomes,” he says.
Innovation winners from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane
Six Excellence in Innovation awards were presented last night at the Collaborate Innovate 2023 conference in Adelaide, held by Collaborative Research Australia. The awards are sponsored by UNSW.
“The winners have each shown how Australian research can be transformed through collaboration into impactful organisations and businesses, creating jobs and improving lives,” says Jane O’Dwyer, the CEO of Cooperative Research Australia.
Four early career researchers from Canberra, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne recognised by Cooperative Research Australia for their innovative research and their ability to present it clearly and simply.
“These researchers illustrate the difference that deeply collaborative research can make for Australia,” says Jane O’Dwyer, the CEO of Cooperative Research Australia.
When will genetics deliver on the hype and truly guide your healthcare?
It’s in the air and water – a campaign to find and protect Australia’s missing plant and animal species
Growing rice without paddies and other plant breeding tricks
Life in the most extreme environments
How flies solve the riddles of rare human diseases
Catch-22: perils, promises, and profit from indigenous peoples’ DNA
Plus
Celebrating genetics at St Pauls
Counting peas: Mendel’s 201st birthday
An oratorio on the Origins of the Universe, of Life, of Species, of Humanity
Are super athletes born or made? Genetics vs Sport
Some of the hundreds of stories to be discovered at the 23rd International Genetic Congress, 16 to 21 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The media are welcome.
The idea that Australian can lead in research, but can’t capture the benefits will be challenged in Adelaide this week.
Cooperative Research Australia’s 2023 conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre will reveal how Australian researchers are successfully turning research into innovations that are transforming society and creating jobs and wealth.
Speakers include State and Federal science ministers and chief scientists.
Media are welcome. For more information and accreditation contact: Niall Byrne niall@scienceinpublic.com.au +61-417-131-977
Twenty years ago, Australia hosted the International Congress of Genetics. It marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Double Helix, explored the impact of the recently completed human genome project, and discussed how the genetics revolution would transform health, agriculture, food, sport, even the law.
Today, we’re seeing the genetics revolution in action:
mRNA is transforming vaccine and drug development,
mysterious genetic disorders are being unravelled and even cured,
plant and animal breeding is being transformed by CRISPR and other technologies,
pests, diseases and biodiversity are being monitored by eDNA,
synthetic biology is offering ways of turning agricultural waste into biofuels.
The Congress will be back in Australia, in Melbourne, from 16-21 July 2023.
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