NHGRI Research Training and Career Development Annual Meeting

Summary The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) provides support for trainees from the undergraduate to the post-doctoral level in the fields of genome sciences, medicine and ethical, legal and social implications. The annual meeting is a venue for NHGRI trainees to present their research and learn about other research and programs, to network and begin to develop collaborations with other trainees and faculty, and gain experience of attending professional scientific conferences (this will be the first professional meeting for some trainees). Through this award, we will provide continued support for this excellent annual event for trainees and strive to enhance the impact, learning efficiency and networking opportunities with new and innovative technologies to address the changing landscape, in part brought on by COVID19. These will include a meeting app, quarterly virtual meetings, a virtual mentorship platform, and career development opportunities. Specifically, we will provide pre- and post-meeting support as well as onsite support during the meeting. To inform meeting planning and ensure that meeting activities are responsive to trainees' needs and interest, we will establish a planning advisory committee to work with us throughout the year, comprised primarily of trainees. We will work closely with program staff on details regarding meeting location, structure, and agenda. In light of the novel coronavirus and societal events regarding race and justice, facilitating regular connections between trainees, faculty, and program staff can yield multiple benefits to maintain momentum in research and training, personal well-being, and attainment of career goals and higher education. Through the virtual quarterly meetings, we aim to help reduce the impact and burden of the upheaval and uncertainty in the research and academic environment due to current events on trainees' progress as well as their health and well-being, foster additional mentoring and peer support, and identify areas where new interventions and support are needed. In addition to providing a platform to discuss research and training opportunities, we aspire to develop a culture of support and build a web-based resource for trainees in the genome community to recognize trainees' achievements and provide information regarding employment, training, and educational opportunities. Overall, these changes will optimize the efficiency and productivity of the annual in-person meeting, provide flexibility and sustain relationships formed at the in-person meeting as well as foster new ones to provide networking opportunities and peer support.