Illumina remains on a journey to democratize precision health care by advancing genomics as a tool and shortcut to understanding health. We are not alone on this journey. Just last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Carlos Bustamante, an internationally recognized leader in the application of data science and genomics technology to problems in medicine, agriculture, and biology. He co-founded Galatea Bio, a biosample-to-bioinformatics platform for powering genomic discovery in understudied populations.

Big stuff, right?!

Last week, Dr. Bustamante visited Illumina to share his progress on advancing genomics and—most importantly—diversifying the genomic database, which is currently filled predominantly with samples of people with European ancestry. The benefits of genomic research are immeasurable, but without participation, people of color will not be able to share in the incredible outcomes of this research.

With diversity reigning as one of our top priorities in advancing genomics, we must consider why inclusion and participation have proven challenging. Genomics is not the easiest science to understand. Trying to explain genomics, its benefits, and the long-term outcomes can sound like Charlie Brown’s teachers to the average person. Finding ways to explain such a complex science in plain language that most people can understand and relate to can be tough. One cannot do it fast enough and with enough volume to make meaningful progress in adding diversity to the database.

Dr. Bustamante has figured out a path. He is working in areas of high concentration of people with African, African American, Latin, and Caribbean heritages. His approach to spreading awareness does not require a lengthy explanation. Instead, he found a practical way to build research participation into something people were already doing. He attached a consent form to participate in the research to those giving samples for COVID-19. By removing the barrier of extra time and extra steps, he found that people were more inclined to participate since they were already giving a sample anyway. Brilliant!!!

This approach reminded me of the grocery store cashier asking me if I wanted to round up my total as I checked out to make a donation to help Veterans. Because the cashier presents me with an opportunity to do a good thing with no additional effort, I always say yes. I love that Dr. Busamante has cracked the code in this way!

We have a lot of catching up to do. Illumina is proud to be an integral part of his success, because our technology enables him to look at small amounts of genomic data at a low cost. It is nice to know others are on the journey to bring genomics and precision health care to all.

Genomics is moving. Important advances are being made. Join this incredible journey today.

Dr. Lisa

Our theme song is “We’re in This Love Together” by Al Jarreau.