Addressing Ancestry and Sex Bias in Global Genomics Datasets

This talk was given at the University of Westminster on 25/07/2024 as part of the London Bioinformatics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/bioinformatics-london/events/299514948/

The underrepresentation of non-European populations in genomics datasets limits our understanding of genetic associations to diseases and the translation of promising cures to under-represented populations. For example, gender bias in pharmacogenomics results in higher rates of adverse drug reactions in women, who are underrepresented in clinical trials and genetic studies, while diversity biases results in a broad range of neglected diseases in less represented populations.

Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of genomic research is not only a matter of justice but also a fundamental human right. Efforts to address biases and promote diversity in genomics are essential for upholding these ethical principles and advancing global health outcomes.