A ‘world of knowledge’ to help Australian doctors better diagnose inherited diseases

Australian Genomics is one of three national genomic medicine initiatives, alongside Genomics England and the U.S. All of Us program, to be selected by GA4GH as Driver Projects. These will pilot GA4GH data sharing frameworks and standards in real-world healthcare settings, and share their experience and knowledge in integrating genomics into clinical practice.

GA4GH made the announcement overnight as part of the launch of its new 5-year vision to fully realise the promise of genomic medicine. Currently, genomic data generated within individual research and clinical programs are stored in databases that aren't connected to each other. By 2022, the GA4GH expects tens of millions of genome sequences to be available from genomic research and clinical care, spanning many nationalities and ethnicities. GA4GH believes researchers and clinicians have an opportunity and a responsibility to exchange this wealth of data as part of a global 'learning health system' to collaboratively investigate, and diagnose, genetic disorders.

Australian Genomics — initially targeting rare disease and cancer—is building the evidence and piloting solutions for the effective and equitable delivery of genomic medicine in Australia. As a Driver Project of GA4GH, Australian Genomics will inform approaches to global data sharing and beyond. "The GA4GH brings together a world of knowledge for the benefit of the individual patient. By linking together national initiatives that are implementing genomic medicine into clinical practice, we can share our experience and expertise to accelerate progress toward the very best healthcare", said Prof Kathryn North AM, Lead of Australian Genomics, Vice Chair of GA4GH, and Director of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

"I'm delighted that Australian researchers are, once again, right in the mix of a major international endeavor to improve healthcare for all. The coming together of a global genomics community enhances our medical and scientific expertise, fosters innovation, and unlocks the potential of genomic medicine — and the beneficiaries are Australians", said Health Minister Greg Hunt of the announcement.

Australian Genomics is made up of more than 70 Australian healthcare and research institutions, including the clinical and laboratory genetics services in each state. Many of its experts are leading key areas of work under the new GA4GH vision.

"All this world class expertise is now 'formally' plugged into other national initiatives around the world through GA4GH. It's an ambitious endeavour and one that is essential to enable researchers and doctors here to find answers for those with an inherited disease", said Professor Andrew Sinclair, Co-lead of Australian Genomics and Deputy Director of Murdoch Children's Research Institute.