34th International mammalian genome conference: meeting overview

Abstract

The 34th International Mammalian Genome Conference (IMGC) was held in conjunction with The Allied Genetics Conference (TAGC2020). Scientists from more than 30 countries participated in TAGC2020 to share advances in genetics and genomics research across species. The mammalian section, represented mostly by International Mammalian Genome Society (IMGS) members, had 239 in-person registrants and the number of registrants grew to 3520 virtual attendees when the meeting was converted from an in-person format to a virtual format. A diverse attendance of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral trainees, young investigators, established researchers, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and computational biologists enjoyed a rich scientific program selected from 184 submitted (Mammalian) abstracts in the fields of epigenetics, system genetics, developmental biology, cancer, human disease modeling, technical advances, and bioinformatics.

35th International Mammalian Genome Conference: meeting overview

“…The 35th IMGC emphasized the critical role of model organisms in advancing research in genetics and genomics. Consistent with previous meetings (Miller and Siracusa 2021;Moskowitz et al 2019;Sanchez-Andrade et al 2018;Tracey et al 2020), the 35th IMGC showcased how the mammalian community is moving forward with new discoveries and technologies that deepen our understanding of the complex roles of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that drive development and disease processes, as well as revealed potential targets for therapy. Despite researchers having to adapt to a global pandemic, the incredible accomplishments of scientists, clinicians, and trainees these past two years were evident from the diversity of biological systems and disorders described across sessions.…”

“…The IMGS had previously worked with the GSA on a hybrid TAGC meeting in 2020 (Miller and Siracusa 2021). The exceptional contributions of Darla Miller (Chief Operating Officer of the IMGS) in developing the meeting format and coordinating onsite and remote activities made the 35th IMGC a huge success!…”

Replacing an ‘In-Person’ Global Health Annual Conference With a Virtual Format: A Case Study from the Consortium of Universities for Global Health

“…Registrations for the CUGH 2021 Conference set a historical record with an increase in those from outside the U.S. and Canada and LMICs as well as learners. Increased registrations have also been noted at other conferences that rely heavily on virtual formats [8][9], suggesting that the absence of an 'in person' component may not detract from interest in participation. We speculate that the inconvenience of traveling and associated costs, particularly for those outside of the U.S., was an advantage [10][11].…”