We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the second edition of the symposium Advancing Equity in Genetics and Genomics in Canada (AEG2C) and Beyond, taking place October 19-20, 2026.
The symposium will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person at Hôtel Place d'Armes in Montréal, Canada, or online from anywhere in the world.
Registration Deadlines
Participants are encouraged to register early. Registration will remain open until:
October 2, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. EST for in-person attendance (Limited in-person spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register soon to secure your spot!)
October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST for virtual attendance
Register now: https://event.fourwaves.com/aeg2c2026/registration
Advancing Equity in Genomics Research
Co-organized by the McGill CERC in Genomic Medicine, the Pan-Canadian Genome Library, the CIHR Institute of Genetics, and Genome Canada, AEG2C 2026 will bring together researchers, clinicians, trainees, patients and patient partners, community organizations, policymakers, funders, and other members of the genetics and genomics community.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural symposium, AEG2C continues its mission to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration around equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in genetics and genomics research.
Featured Keynote Speakers
This year's program will showcase an outstanding interdisciplinary group of keynote speakers:
Dr. Loydie Jérome-Majewska (McGill University), co-founder of the Canadian Black Scientist Network and leader of the Genomics for Change and Equity (genCARE) initiative, which seeks to improve access to and benefits from personalized medicine for Black communities.
Dr. Francine Buchanan, a nationally recognized lived-experience advisor, patient engagement methodologist, and storyteller whose work promotes impactful partnerships among researchers, patients, families, and communities.
Dr. Kyle Brothers (University of Louisville School of Medicine), a leading pediatrician and bioethicist whose research examines the ethical implications of integrating genomic technologies into clinical care.
Together, these speakers bring expertise across genomic research, community engagement, patient partnership, lived experience, and bioethics.
Program Highlights
The symposium will feature keynote presentations, plenary sessions, and panel discussions addressing critical topics at the intersection of equity and genomics, including:
The future of equity, diversity, and inclusion in genomics
Community engagement and equitable benefit sharing
Responsible approaches to measuring health equity
Challenges and opportunities in representing diverse populations in genomic research
Building on a Global Community
The inaugural AEG2C Symposium welcomed more than 300 participants from 23 countries, creating a vibrant international forum for discussion and collaboration. The 2026 edition aims to further expand this global community by welcoming returning participants and new voices from Canada and around the world.
Learn More and Join the Conversation
Additional information about the program, speakers, and event activities is available on the symposium website and will be updated regularly in the lead-up to the event.
We invite you to join us in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for genetics and genomics research.
We also encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues, trainees, patient partners, community organizations, and others who may be interested in participating. Diverse perspectives are essential to advancing these important conversations.