In alignment with the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and under the umbrella of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), UNESCO, the Human Variome Project (HVP), in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Human Genetics of Thalassaemia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). are launching a global workshop series on genetic and genomic counselling targeting undergraduate and postgraduate students in medical and scientific disciplines particularly in the Global South aimed to enhance participants’ ability to understand genetic risks, interpret diagnostic and screening options, and address the psychosocial dimensions of patient care. This curriculum is delivered through eight interactive modules that blend theoretical instruction with practical application in the following topics: 1) Introduction to Genetic & Genomic Counselling, 2) Basic of Human Genetics, 3) Pedigree Drawing, 4) Basis of inheritance & Risk calculation, 5) Genetic & Genomic Testing, 6) Counselling & Communication Skills, 7) Ethical, Legal & Psychological Issues and 8) Role play (pedigree taking and explaining inheritance). The applicants will be supported in teaching with lectures, case-based discussion, role play simulation, and assessments such as quizzes and reflective writing tasks.
This workshop series is designed for selected undergraduate and postgraduate students of Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology and related fields who are interested in learning the fundamentals of genetic and genomic counselling, especially those from regions where access to formal training programs is limited. A total of 30 participants will be selected, specifically from the Global South. Eligible applicants must either hold or be currently enrolled in a basic degree related to science, healthcare, or medicine, and must be affiliated with an institute in the Global South.
Deadline for submitting applications: 28/02/2026
Training timeline: 9 days, 1 session per week. From April until the last week of July 2026. Each session will occur from 8-9 pm local Malaysian time (GMT +8).
For further inquiries, please contact bs-eng@unesco.org, GVinfo@variome.org and zilfalil@gmail.com
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