IAMG-2024: Sandip & Bhavini Research Institute hosts 9th Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Medical Genetics

New Delhi: The Sandip and Bhavini Research Institute (SBRI) recently hosted the 9th Annual Conference of the Indian Academy of Medical Genetics (IAMG-2024) in Ahmadabad.

Themed “CLINI-OMICS: Navigating the Diagnostic Maze through the OMICS Compass,” this three-day event brought together leading clinical experts, researchers, and industry pioneers from India and across the globe to explore the transformative impact of Multi-Omics in Clinical Genetics.

The conference attracted over 300 participants from diverse sectors of healthcare and research.

Dr. Sheetal Sharda, Organizing Chairperson of the Conference, noted, “With advancements in sequencing technologies making genetic diagnostics more accessible and cost-effective, we are also faced with challenges, particularly the complexities of uncertain findings. IAMG-2024 focused on how the integration of genomics with other Omics technologies can aid in diagnosing rare genetic disorders and enhance healthcare accessibility for all populations, regardless of ethnicity.”

The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Jaxay Shah, Chairperson of the Quality Control of India, who stressed the importance of stringent quality control in laboratory testing, particularly genetic testing, to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Day 1 focused on addressing variants of uncertain significance through multi-omics technologies, including epigenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. The plenary session, led by Dr. Ratna Dua Puri, President of SIAMG, highlighted India’s significant progress in genetics and multiomics. The prestigious Professor SS Agarwal Oration was delivered by Prof. David Bick from the UK, an expert in newborn screening, who shared insights into the integration of genomics and metabolomics in screening practices. Keynote speakers included prominent figures  Dr. Fowler, Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Dr. Kruszka, and Dr. Valerie from the USA, Dr. Edwin Kirk and Dr. Himanshu Goel from Australia and Indian experts  Dr. Surjit Singh and Dr. Binay Panda.

Day 2 centered on population genomics, focusing on carrier screening, newborn screening, and collaborative initiatives to improve healthcare for genetic disorders. A key theme was the role of artificial intelligence in advancing genetic diagnoses. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Tzung from Germany, Dr. De Vries from the Netherlands, Dr. Ting and Dr. Nidhi Shah from the USA, and Indian experts Dr. Anju Shukla, Dr. Rashmi Shukla, Dr. Thamodharan, and Dr. Mamta Muranjan. A memorable plenary session by Dr. Fowzan Alkuraya from Saudi Arabia discussed how special populations contribute to enhancing the diagnostic yield of the Clinical Genome, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Day 3 focused on the treatment of genetic disorders, featuring compelling presentations from Dr. Wen-Hann Tan from Singapore, Dr. Abhijit Dixit and Dr. Udai Bhan Pandey from the USA, Dr. Ben Lacey from the UK, and Dr. Sankar VH from India. Experts also explored new frontiers in Clinical Genomic Medicine, including wellness genomics, predictive risk scores, gut microbiome, and pharmacogenomics.

Dr. Bhavini Shah, Director of SBRI, expressed her excitement about the success of the conference, stating, “IAMG-2024 represents our vision of integrating cutting-edge research with real-world applications, opening the door to affordable and equitable healthcare for all. SBRI’s commitment to excellence in research and education aligns perfectly with this mission, solidifying India’s role as a global leader in genomic medicine. I am deeply grateful to the global speakers for sharing their invaluable insights on the future of Multi-Omics in Clinical Genomics.”

The success of IAMG-2024 underscores the growing collaboration within the global clinical genomics and genetic research communities, paving the way for innovative, inclusive, and accessible healthcare solutions for the future.