Goncalo Abecasis, D.Phil., University of Michigan, CSG, Biostatistics – MIDAS Seminar Series

Goncalo Abecasis, D. Phil.

Felix E Moore Collegiate Professor, Chair

Department of Biostatistics

School of Public Health

University of Michigan

Title: Sequencing 10,000’s of Human Genomes: Early Results, Opportunities and Challenges Abstract: Rapid advances in genome sequencing technology are enabling increasingly detailed analysis of human genetic variation. In the next year, we expect to analyze >50,000 deeply sequenced human genomes, corresponding to ~10 million billion bases of raw sequence data. The generation, transfer and analysis of the data presents many opportunities for scientific discovery – enabling better understanding of human history, biology and disease. It also presents varied computational and analytical challenges as well as opportunities to develop and implement new modes of data sharing. I will illustrate these challenges and opportunities with examples from our ongoing studies. Bio: My research focuses on using human genetics to improve our understanding of human health and disease. To advance human genetic studies, my group develops statistical and computational methods that enable geneticists to apply emerging high-throughput technologies to studies of human health and disease. Over the past 15 years, I have developed computational tools, analytical models and study designs that have facilitated the widespread deployment of array-based genotyping and short read sequencing technologies in human genetic studies. My research is highly collaborative and benefits from interactions with experts in statistics and biostatistics, biology and human genetics, computer science and mathematics. I have mentored 11 doctoral students and ten postdoctoral research fellows, of whom 14 are now on the faculty at major research universities in the United States. Homepage  http://csg.sph.umich.edu/abecasis/  For more information on MIDAS or the Seminar Series, please contact midas-contact@umich.edu. MIDAS gratefully acknowledges Northrop Grumman Corporation for its generous support of the MIDAS Seminar Series.