The Critical Role of Genetic Diversity in Precision Medicine Research

Oregon Convention Center 

Diversity in genetic research plays a critical role in uncovering variations that contribute to disease risk, constructing accurate risk prediction models for disease prevention and management, and mitigating healthcare disparities, thus enhancing health outcomes in underserved communities. Nonetheless, the abundance of genetic data across diverse populations presents significant challenges in analysis and interpretation. In this presentation, I will delve into these challenges and explore current methodologies for mapping complex traits within multi-ethnic samples. Additionally, I will highlight the seminal work of Prof. C.R. Rao in quantifying diversity and pioneering statistical techniques for gene detection. Prof. Rao's groundbreaking contributions have left an indelible mark on statistical genetics, shaping its trajectory and methodologies. This discussion will serve as a tribute to his profound impact on the field of statistical genetics.