Genomics for Social Scientists – Introduction

June 10-14, 2024

$200 course fee

Maximum 30 participants

Travel stipends are available (letter of support is required upon application, verifying that the applicant is a student, post-doc, or early career researcher)

Applications will open in December 2023.

Researchers from the University of Michigan invite you to apply to the 7th annual Genomics for Social Scientists – Introduction workshop, held in-person June 10-14, 2024. 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.  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.

Please note that this workshop is IN-PERSON. Participants can expect workshop activities at the Institute for Social Research from 8:30 am-5 pm ET, along with two group social events during the week.

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