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PROJECT NARRATIVE This study aims to investigate facilitators and barriers to long-term equitable partnerships in genomics research between communities and research institutions. We focus on legal and organizational infrastructures and practices that shape how decisions are made, by whom, and with what consequences, and changes that can support innovative and transformative approaches to equity, benefit and justice.

Narrative American Indian and Alaska Native concerns about genomic research have been well-documented and continue to constitute significant obstacles to participation in genomic research. Our center seeks to make progress on these issues through community-led ELSI research and a commitment to training the next generation of leaders in the field, from both the academy and the community.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), characterized by severe pain crisis and progressive organ damage as well as early death, is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the world. However, since 90% of U.S. patients self-identify as Black and experience neglect as a result of structural racism, until recently, the condition has received very little research funding and minimal attention from the medical research community. Recent advances in human genetics have reinvigorated interest in the genetic underpinnings of SCD and the potential to “cure” it with novel genetic therapies.

Prenatal screening and testing technologies using genetic methods are rapidly expanding, offering increasing amounts of genetic information about the fetus. However, research shows that women from underserved populations are less likely to receive or accept prenatal genetic services, leading to discordant birth outcomes. We propose to explore the barriers to access and acceptance of prenatal genetic care among women from underserved populations.

Project Narrative Studies suggest that distrust is a major barrier for participation of minorities in Precision Medicine Research (PMR), though no study has examined the sources of (dis)trust and factors affecting views on trustworthiness of PMR among people with disabilities. This study proposes to engage with people with mobility, visual and hearing disabilities?the most common conditions in the U.S.?across racial/ethnic communities and with translational genomic researchers, the leaders in PMR, to close this gap.

Project Narrative Studies suggest that distrust is a major barrier for participation of minorities in Precision Medicine Research (PMR), though no study has examined the sources of (dis)trust and factors affecting views on trustworthiness of PMR among people with disabilities. This study proposes to engage with people with mobility, visual and hearing disabilities?the most common conditions in the U.S.?across racial/ethnic communities and with translational genomic researchers, the leaders in PMR, to close this gap.

Prenatal screening and testing technologies using genetic methods are rapidly expanding, offering increasing amounts of genetic information about the fetus. However, research shows that women from underserved populations are less likely to receive or accept prenatal genetic services, leading to discordant birth outcomes. We propose to explore the barriers to access and acceptance of prenatal genetic care among women from underserved populations.

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