Human genetics research is highly collaborative, relying on scientists with diverse expertise and experience from around the country working together to understand how the human genome works. Nevertheless, the hustle and bustle of life in the lab makes it difficult to set aside time reflect on emerging challenges and opportunities.
This fall, Duke University faculty launched the inaugural Alpine Genomics Institute Unconference. The three-day meeting, held in the mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, brought together 30 researchers from around the country to focus entirely on identifying emerging challenges in genetics and charting new paths to overcome those challenges.
The Unconference broke new ground in how scientists can work together. By focusing entirely on roundtable discussions and small group meetings, the meeting created new opportunities for deep discussions, exchanging ideas, and developing future vision for genetics and genomics. Topics were chosen by participants in advance of the meeting. At the close of the meeting, participants presented final reports that proposed a slew of new and ambitious ideas for future collaborative research and education projects.
The meeting was led by a steering committing that included Tim Reddy, PhD, associate professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics, Schuyler Melore, graduate student in the Reddy lab, and Shannon Clarke, a project manager in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics; and also included colleagues at Cornell University, University of Washington, Stanford University, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
"We designed the format to promote not just collaboration but genuine creativity and innovation," Reddy said. “Our goal was to create an environment where scientists could think unconventionally and share perspectives in a way that traditional conferences don’t always allow.”
Attendees were encouraged to get outside, explore the natural beauty of Jackson Hole and the Teton Mountains, and engage in self-guided hikes. Physical movement was not just a recreational aspect of the event but a strategic effort to stimulate new ways of thinking. “Being in nature gave us fresh perspectives and energized our discussions,” Clarke said.
The high level of engagement translated into nearly all participants expressing interest in contributing to a manuscript that will outline the unconference’s deliverables and key findings. This manuscript will also detail the unique format as a model for future scientific meetings. Participants are also eager to return next year. Plans are underway for the second annual offering.