State-of-the-Art Human Genome Science: Illuminating Past and Shaping Future Controversies

The field of human genetics and genomics has thrived in spite of or, perhaps, because of an unending series of disagreements among scientists in the field on what we think we know to be TRUTH. We now have more information on human genome variation and its relationship to human phenotypes than we have ever had. The 2015 Gordon Conference will focus on how we are synthesizing knowledge from this information, whether any of the old controversies are giving way to common ground, and discussions on what topics are likely to provoke the next round of stimulating disagreements. Speakers conducting state-of-the-art research in human genetics and genomics ranging from population and evolutionary genetics, to genome structure and function, to genome studies of common and rare diseases will be asked to revisit recent – and less recent – controversies in human genetics and genomics in light of the volumes of data emerging from their studies. The conference will be of interest to research scientists and students in human genetics and genomics and all scientists who would value seeing a broad overview of this burgeoning field. And it will be of particular interest to those who enjoy spirited discussions.