The Center for Genomic Medicine Symposium is presented by UAB and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. 

Monday, May 8 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Huntsville, AL 

Learn about the new granting program which will initiate development of systems and/or diseases oriented working groups, e.g. "Neuroscience", "Cardiovascular Diseases", "Autoimmunity", etc. with the aim to create research projects, which will integrate genetics/genomics and impact the discipline substantially. For details,click here.

• Hear how you can leverage the Center's synergistic approach to genomics
• Listen to talks from UAB and HudsonAlpha specialists in genomic medicine research
• Tour the facilities on HudsonAlpha’s biotech campus and take advantage of networking opportunities.

UAB and Children’s of Alabama hosted the 4th annual Rare Disease Genomics Symposium on Friday, March 3, 2017. It was a huge success with our most attendees yet – over 100! The symposium focused on integrating genetics and genomics in day to day medical practice. We included sessions to discuss indications for referrals, diagnostic approaches, outcomes, and follow-up. The keynote address, “Genotype Does Not Always Explain Phenotype for Skeletal Disorders,” was given by Debbie Krakow, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The patient/parent panel was very well-received. The passionate and inspirational speakers were Morgan Cheek, Swapna Kakani, and newly named director of UAB Hugh Kaul Personalized Medicine Institute Matt Might. Attendees walked away with awareness, resources, and new knowledge.

In addition to the symposium and in recognition of Rare Disease Day and Rare Disease Week, Children’s hosted an art exhibit the Thursday night before on March 2 in the Bradley Lecture Center. The Art Exhibit featured traveling pieces of art, each focusing on a rare disease patient. The purpose of the exhibit, presented by the Rare Disease United Foundation, is to encourage a look “beyond the diagnosis” to the patient. The art exhibit was displayed throughout Children’s of Alabama from February 20 through March 17, 2017.

Click here to view photos from the event.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham — Alabama’s leading provider of genomic and personalized medicine — has launched the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative in partnership with HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to better meet health needs across the state.

The project, funded by a $2 million appropriation from the Alabama legislature to UAB, supports one of the nation’s first statewide efforts to harness the power of genomic analysis to help identify those at high risk for a genetic disease, and provide a basis for continuing research into genetic contributors to health and disease.