The Morehouse School of Medicine's Institute of Genomic Medicine Center for Genomic Diversity

Abstract – Overall This proposal outlines a program to establish a Center of Genomic Diversity at the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). Led by the Director of the Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine (ITGM), the program aims to enhance genomics research capacity, improve minority health outcomes, and advance

workforce education. The program focuses on elucidating novel genomic knowledge in racially and ancestrally diverse cohorts and investigating the interplay of social and biological determinants of health. Through multiple projects led by esteemed faculty members, the program aims to uncover epigenetic changes related to stress and examine the utility of a diverse reference “pan”genome in gene

expression profiling. The program includes the Community Engagement Core, Genomics Workforce Diversity Core, and Administrative Core to facilitate community education, training, and data infrastructure. Overall, the program aims to establish a sustainable genomics research environment, improve genomic tools for minority health research, and enhance education and dissemination efforts.