2016 Presidential Address: Let’s Make Human Genetics Great (Again): The Importance of Beauty in Science

Good afternoon. As president of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the 66th annual meeting of our society. It is a particular joy to join you in this beautiful venue in the spectacular city of Vancouver. This eighth visit of ASHG to the great country of Canada marks a particularly important time to acknowledge and applaud the essential contributions of our international colleagues to the vibrancy and relevance of our society. In broader terms, the ability of human genetics as a discipline to deliver on the promise of improving health and wellbeing worldwide in an equitable, just, and sustainable manner will require an unwavering commitment to collaboration, respect, and cultural sensitivity within our community. In this spirit of tearing down all walls, it is a distinct pleasure to welcome scientific and medical colleagues and trainees from over 66 countries to this meeting. I strongly encourage everyone from everywhere, but particularly the young people, to gather often in large and unruly groups to celebrate diversity and conspire to do great things together