An anti-racist action plan for studying the human genome

^{Image Credit: Ernesto Del Aguila III, Courtesy of NHGRI}

Throughout my career as a leader in genomics, I have frequently talked with my research colleagues about how we could stamp out racism in our field. Those conversations have often felt uncomfortable.

All areas of science have spent decades trying to envision and create an anti-racist research enterprise. In genomics, it feels more personal.

Genomics has taught us that humans are roughly 99.9% identical at the DNA sequence level, with myriad stories emerging about humanity’s common traits and ancestry. But genomics grew out of the field of genetics, which comes with a troubled history — one in which misused science and outright pseudoscience were used to justify racism. 

That is why the genomics community is determined to purposefully examine every aspect of what we do and how we do it. Combatting racism is one step towards attaining a socially responsible, more inclusive future for genomics. The field must offer supportive and collaborative environments for a diverse community of researchers and health professionals. 

Today, a group of 10 social and behavioral scientists...