Advancing a Global Human Pangenome Reference for Better Health
Official title: The Human Pangenome Reference Consortium Coordination Center
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11579415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national network is coordinating a new human pangenome reference to better represent genetic diversity so future medical research and care can be more accurate for people everywhere.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $227,754 |
| NIH project number | 3U41HG010972-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11579415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose care or genetic testing could be improved by more representative reference genomes, including those from underrepresented populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are not linked to genomic variation or who do not participate in genetic testing may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds a coordination center that will expand and improve the human pangenome reference by including diverse genomes from populations around the world. It will keep and enhance a global, user-friendly resource and toolkit so researchers and clinicians can access more representative genetic information. The work focuses on building the reference and facilitating international collaboration, data sharing, and community engagement to ensure broad accessibility. The project aims to support future clinical genetics and biomedical research with a more inclusive map of human variation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, doctors and researchers could tailor genetics-based care and therapies to a wider range of people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous efforts established a foundational pangenome reference and community resources; this phase expands and improves them.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Ting — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Ting
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.