How can statistical methods reduce inequalities in genomics?

by Brieuc Lehmann

Inequality is part of our society, and the way we collect and analyse information about people can reinforce this inequality. This is particularly important in how we study genetics. Genomic studies have historically mostly focused on people of European descent, leaving out a big chunk of the population. Genomics researchers are actively looking at ways to address this by collecting more diverse data.

The methods we use to analyse genomic data also have a really important role to play. Cutting-edge analytical tools like pangenomics and genetic tree sequences can reduce bias in genomic data analysis by better capturing the full diversity of genetic data. Check out this helpful explainer from UCL and Genomics England to see the different ways in which statistical methods can help reduce inequalities in genomics research.