The University of Washington Genetics Analysis Center (GAC) will serve as the Data Coordination Center (DCC) for a new Mendelian Genomics Research Consortium, aimed at increasing the number of known single-gene disorders. Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington's disease are all examples of single-gene disorders.

Faculty appointment promotions and appointments in the department for 2021 are highlighted.

Daniela Witten has been elected as a council member for the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS) starting September 2021.

Sharon Browning, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Washington has been named senior editor for the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section of GENETICS, a journal published by the Genetics Society of America.

COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, including some with increased transmissibility and severity, which has contributed in many countries to a reversal of decreasing COVID-19 case counts achieved earlier this year. A New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Special Report, just released, advocated for a global framework to monitor and evaluate these variants and to address the worldwide need for safe and effective vaccines.