The Pacific Center for Genome Research (PCGR) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa recently hosted the inaugural in-person meeting of the Diversity Centers for Genome Research (DCGR) Consortium. Established by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the DCGR Consortium aims to create centers dedicated to cutting-edge genomic research focusing on diverse populations and supporting the growth of genomic researchers at all levels.
Related UH News story: UH Pacific Center for Genome Research, October 2023
PCGR is one of three such research centers funded by the NIH program’s first cohort in the fall of 2023. Led by Lang Wu of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and Youping Deng of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, PCGR plays a pivotal role in enhancing genomic research capabilities.
“Due to our unique geographic location and the diversity of communities we serve, our PCGR aims to substantially enhance the capabilities of conducting innovative genomic research in our underrepresented communities, especially the Native Hawaiian population,” said Wu, PCGR director. “We also aim to expand the pool of diverse genomic scientists and trainees by providing didactic, practicum, and research activities and experiences and strengthening community engagement efforts for genome research.”
Planning for an equitable future
The meeting gathered researchers and leaders from five external Genome Centers and the NHGRI program director. It provided a platform for discussing the progress, challenges, and future plans of the DCGR program. This initiative is considered crucial in leveraging genomic research to address health inequalities and fostering a more equitable future for all.
