For more than two decades, Colleen Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC, clinical associate professor in Cardiovascular Medicine, has carved out a few days every fall to attend the largest human genetics meeting in the world.

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting is held in a major US or Canadian city every year, attracting approximately 7,000–8,500 attendees. Boston, Massachusetts, hosted the 2025 meeting from Oct.14–18 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. As with previous ASHG meetings, Campbell approached the week motivated and left with inspiration and fresh ideas. But this year, she had a significant role to play behind the scenes of the conference.

From longtime attendee to program chair
ASHG invited Campbell to serve as Vice Program Committee Chair in 2024 and Chair for the 2025 term. With a broad range of multidisciplinary genomics experience, Campbell also serves as the UI Health Care Director of Genetic Counseling Operations, Assistant Director of Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, and is the immediate past president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Campbell and her co-committee members received overwhelmingly positive feedback for this year’s conference. Attendees enjoyed the speaking engagements, which the committee organized by selecting current hot topics in genomics, and inviting expert speakers based on submitted session proposals or scientific abstracts. The most memorable speaking event for Campbell was the Distinguished Speaker’s Symposium AI-Powered Genomics: Transforming Data into Insights. The session moderators were Marylyn Ritchie, Vice Dean of Artificial Intelligence and Computing at the University of Pennsylvania, and JP Flores, PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

AI symposium speakers included:

• Euan Ashley, Professor of Medicine, Stanford University
• Harry Farmer, Senior Researcher, Ada Lovelace Institute
• Matthew Might, Professor and Director, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Olga Troyanskaya, Director of PPH & Maduraperuma/Khot Professor of Computer Science and Genomics, Princeton University

The symposium explored the ways AI advances genomics through accelerated analysis. Presenters shared how AI can identify critical patterns that illuminate gene networks, uncover risks of common diseases, and help pinpoint the causes of rare conditions. AI also assists geneticists by customizing therapies to individual genetic profiles and predicting patient responses to these therapies, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

The symposium also included a discussion about the ethical concerns associated with increased AI use in genomics. Concerns include data privacy, informed consent, and the potential for biased algorithms to perpetuate existing inequalities. The speaking event highlighted the importance of striking a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility to ensure equitable access and outcomes for all patients.

“Attendees leave the session with actionable insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in genomics research and health care and how they can contribute to shaping its future responsibly and inclusively,” Campbell said.

Bridging the social and scientific
In addition to symposia, the conference schedule featured interactive workshops, receptions, socials, professional development seminars, award ceremonies, and abstract and poster sessions.

Campbell said that “one of the biggest draws” of ASHG is meeting with peers from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in the field.

“It is always motivating and exciting to discuss challenges and opportunities for the field of human genetics, and I return home with lots of new ideas,” Campbell said. “Whether you’re early-career or a seasoned expert, ASHG offers countless chances to connect with peers, collaborators, and mentors from around the world.”

A genetic professional’s potential in medicine—and ASHG
As genetics has evolved into a vital discipline across all of medicine, the scope of a geneticist’s work has also expanded. Campbell emphasized that genetics is no longer solely focused on rare diseases. Geneticists also predict disease risk, diagnose conditions with greater accuracy and timeliness, understand inherited traits that affect patient health, and select ideal medications based on a patient’s DNA. The ASHG Annual Meeting offers professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest research in these areas and enhance their multidisciplinary approaches, enabling them to translate complex science into improved patient care.

“If you’re passionate about advancing human genetics and connecting with the brightest minds in the field, ASHG is the place to be. From workshops to leadership sessions, ASHG supports your growth beyond the bench. It’s also a great way to explore new career paths, and advocacy efforts,” Campbell said. “ASHG is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and public engagement. By participating, you’re contributing to a collective voice that shapes the future of genetics research and policy.”

For more information about the 2026 ASHG conference, planning is already underway here.