Genomics for Social Scientists – Introduction

July 31- August 4, 2023

$0 course fee

Maximum 30 participants

This workshop will be held virtually

Researchers from the University of Michigan invite you to apply to the 7th annual Genomics for Social Scientists – Introduction workshop, held virtually July 31- August 4, 2023. The purpose of this NIA-sponsored workshop is to familiarize researchers with genetic data and provide hands-on training on incorporating genetic information into social science analyses. The course uses a mix of prerecorded and live lectures and live labs and discussions. Participants will use tutorial versions of the Health and Retirement Study core survey data and genetic data files.

The week-long workshop will offer a multitude of opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among attendees and feedback from University of Michigan investigators and course instructors. This course is designed to primarily benefit researchers who already have experience conducting statistical examinations of behavioral traits, but who may have little or no genetic or biological training. Investigators interested in a better understanding of genomic analysis as it applies to social and behavioral science research are encouraged to apply.

Topics covered include:

Collecting genetic material, population stratification and admixture, quality control (estimating and interpreting minor allele frequency, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, heterozygosity, and linkage disequilibrium), imputation, GWAS and meta analyses, polygenic scores construction and use, gene-environment interactions, mendelian randomization, and genomic SEM.

Applications will open March 15, 2023 and will close April 30, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by mid-May.

Please note that this workshop is VIRTUAL. Participants should be available from 12 pm-2 pm ET for live Zoom lectures. Lab sessions will be live on Zoom and recorded from 2:30-5 pm ET and can be attended live or watched before the next day’s lecture.

Questions? Contact genomicsworkshop@umich.edu for more information.