The initiative aims to reduce health inequalities and improve patient outcomes in genomic medicine for minoritised communities.
Our vision is that all patients, regardless of their background, receive the same quality of genomics-enabled personalised medicine, supported by the latest research on people like them.
Read and comment on a live version of our strategy to see our plans and input into our design.
Visualisation of data bias by Stef Posavec
Human genomes are 99.9% identical; however, it's differences in the 0.1% which make each of us unique – whether in terms of our hair colour, our like/dislike of certain foods, and even our sleeping patterns.
Variations in genomes can results from factors such as human migration patterns, our ancestry and choice of mate, and oftentimes environmental factors (which along with genetics, can contribute to a trait such as height and weight).
These variants tend to appear at different frequencies across different populations. Sometimes, they're rare and impact only specific families. At other times, the variants are common and can be found across populations.
We aim to create a world-leading genomic dataset and patient-designed research agenda for genomic sickle cell research.
Partnering with community groups and research studies to improve understanding of maternal inequalities, particularly preterm birth.
Improve our understanding of genomic diversity by reviewing, stimulating and conducting research into diversity and its impacts on scientific, clinical and health system outcomes.
Convene and work with patient, genomic and data communities to design, develop and implement equity-enhancing strategies.
Increase the volume and depth of genomic data available on individuals from under-represented groups by sequencing genomes, and generating, linking and facilitating better access to data from diverse populations.
Work with clinicians, analysts, researchers, patients, and community groups to develop tools, and processes to improve research, service-delivery practices, recruitment and care.
You can get to know each member of the team in this blog post. If you have questions about the Diverse Data programme, please use the contact button below.
Genomic Data Scientist
Community Manager
Scientific Lead
Lead Genomic Data Scientist
Genomics Data Scientist
Delivery Manager
Delivery Manager
Ethics Lead
Service Owner – Scientific Delivery
Clinical Lead - Sickle Cell (Honorary)
Policy Manager
Often work is shared at the end and has a shiny, positive slant to it. Issues of data diversity can raise complex scientific, technical as well as social and emotional debates. The Diverse Data Initiative aims to share more during the process to show the journey, and hopefully encourage others to course direct. To learn more about how the team works, interim outputs and what we’re thinking, have a read of our blogs.
The Genomics England Diverse Data team review the 100,000 Genomes Project for potential biases between groups with different ancestries.
Diversity and genetic ancestry effects in the Cancer Cohort of the 100,000 Genomes Project
Our CEO Chris Wigley shares some of his hopes and dreams for the future of Genomics England, the patients and participants we serve, and the wider genomics landscape.
The next genomics decade
Sam Tallman, a genomic data scientist, reviews an approach commonly used to assign participants into genetically defined ancestry groups using genomic data from the 100,000 Genomes Project.
Inclusive ancestry group assignment in genetics research
