Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia

I am pleased to submit this statement to support my nomination as the member of the ESHG Board. I am a medical specialist (Genetic Pathologist) and the Deputy Director of Genetics. In this role I oversee delivery of high-quality genetic diagnostic services, the implementation of new technologies and adherence to clinical standards. 

As the Chair of the Genetics Advisory Committee for the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, I am committed to advancing the discipline and promoting high-standard genetic services both in Australia and globally. I contributed to the Australia’s National Reproductive Genetic Carrier Screening program (Mackenzie’s Mission Project), which was instrumental in demonstrating feasibility of nation-wide carrier screening program in Australia. While I consider Australia my home, I have strong European roots, and I would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with my European colleagues, learning from their experience and sharing the perspectives from Australian. 

I am a Clinical Associate Professor within Faculty of Medicine, and I have active academic and research portfolio. Having taken the time to understand the role and the activities of the ESHG Board, I believe that I would make a meaningful contribution, assist with development of ESHG conference program and bring a valuable new set of skills and perspectives to help guide the future directions of the society.

Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, UK

I am applying to serve as a Board Member of the European Society of Human Genetics. I am committed to advancing scientific excellence, collaboration, and clinical impact in human genetics across Europe. I am a clinician-scientist in genetics at King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. My research focuses on rare neurodevelopmental disorders and chromatin biology, combining genomic discovery with clinical translation. My training and practice across three countries, United Kingdom, Portugal and Canada, have given me a broad international perspective on genetic services and collaboration. I serve as Chair of the King’s Health Partners Rare Disease Network, and represent KHP in the European University Hospital Alliance networks in RD & ERN.

If elected, I would actively contribute to the Society’s scientific and educational mission. I am particularly keen to support the continued development of the ESHG annual meeting as the leading European forum for human genetics, helping shape an outstanding scientific programme that highlights emerging discoveries, strengthens interdisciplinary dialogue, and supports early-career researchers. I would also work to strengthen links between research, clinical genetics, patient organisations and European networks so that advances in human genetics translate into improved patient care across Europe.

Center for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

It would be an honor for me to become a member of the ESHG Board and to actively support the international and interdisciplinary work in our extremely exciting and constantly evolving field. I am a clinical geneticist at the Center of Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine and the Center for Rare Diseases at the RWTH Aachen University. Scientifically, I am particularly interested in epigenetic changes and, consequently, imprinting disorders. Here, I have already learned how valuable exchange, lively discussions, and consensus-building can be for patient care. We don't just diagnose; we derive therapeutic consequences directly from our molecular findings, and we are doing so more and more and in an increasingly targeted manner. This has enabled us to make a valuable contribution as human geneticists, even in the case of more common diseases and in many clinical fields such as oncology and internal medicine, as well as in interdisciplinary fields such as pharmacogenetics. The ESHG is the basis and key to successful further development in our large community and transcends the boundaries of countries and healthcare systems for the benefit of all. It would be a great pleasure and honor for me to help shape this as a board member.

Center for Rare Diseases at the University of Leipzig, Germany

I would like to candidate for a position in the Board of the ESHG.

I have been a clinical geneticist for more than 15 years and head the Institute of Human Genetics as well as the Center for Rare Diseases at the University of Leipzig, Germany.
Topics that I have been passionate about in the past and that I would like to further pursue in my potential role as a ESHG Board Member include e.g. public data sharing, support of early career researchers as well as ethical aspects related to diagnostic genetic testing.

In this respect, I am already actively involved on a national level – within the German Society of Human Genetics, I am leading the commission that this year successfully reformed the educational regulations on becoming a clinical geneticist in Germany; and I am member of the National Genetic Diagnostics Commission regulating legal aspects related to human genetics.

I am committed to provide my expertise to the ESHG and e.g. help synchronizing various national approaches on a European level, particularly but not exclusively with respect to the above topics. I would be honored to participate in the ESHG board and help shape the future of human genetics.

KU Leuven, Belgium

Rapid advances in human genetics are having a growing impact on research, healthcare, and society. At this important moment for our field, I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to its future by serving on the Board of the ESHG. As an early-career researcher, I am part of a generation working in this field during a period of major scientific and technological advances. I believe it is essential that the perspectives of early-career scientists are represented in the Society’s discussions and decisions, as we will play an important role in the future of our field.

Through my background in ELSI research and genetic counseling, I have developed a strong commitment to addressing the ethical, social, and clinical aspects of genomics. I am particularly interested in how genetic information is communicated and responsibly integrated into healthcare. These perspectives are becoming increasingly important as this field plays a growing role in both medical practice and public debate.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that strengthen ESHG’s visibility and connection with a broader audience. I would also be keen to support the development of engaging activities for members, helping to foster a vibrant, collaborative, and inclusive European genetics community.