Sarah C. Nelson, PhD, a research scientist with the UW Biostatistics Genetics Analysis Center, is co-principal investigator for a group UW researchers examining the ethical and social implications of using legacy datasets in population health research. 

“Compared to contemporary data collections, it’s surprising that a sample of around 1,000 individuals assembled decades ago to primarily study population genetics has become such a gold standard for representing genetic diversity across much of biomedical research,” said Nelson.

Through the Cancer AI Alliance (CAIA), Jeff Leek (MS '07, PhD '09) and his team are seeking to enable AI-supported discovery of cancer treatments. “The goal is to 10x the speed with which a researcher can come up with an idea and have it executed,” says Leek, chief data officer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

In a rare display of unity, thousands of America’s most accomplished scientists have joined forces to warn Congress that proposed FY26 budget cuts would do lasting damage to the nation’s economy, health, and global standing. Elizabeth Halloran, a member of the National Academy of Medicine and professor emeritus of biostatistics at Fred Hutchison Cancer Center and the University of Washington, is quoted.