Speaker: Wen-Ya Ko / 可文亞
Title: Beyond Identity: Taiwan’s Genetic Diversity and Its Potential for Precision Medicine
Date: 2025/03/07 (Fri.) 15:30-17:20
Abstract:
Genetic diversity profoundly impacts medical outcomes, influencing disease susceptibility, drug response, and the effectiveness of precision medicine. In Taiwan, government-funded biobanks have made significant strides in mapping genetic profiles linked to various diseases. However, current genotyping arrays primarily focus on individuals of Han ancestry, neglecting the unique genetic diversity of Taiwan’s Indigenous Austronesian peoples. Addressing this disparity is critical to ensuring equitable healthcare advancements. However, conducting ethical genomic studies in Indigenous populations is a multifaceted challenge. It requires a deep understanding of population genetics, careful consideration of how knowledge is produced and interpreted, and thoughtful dialogue around self-identification—both as individuals and as members of a community. This talk aims to explore the genetic diversity of Taiwan’s populations, the ethical dimensions of Indigenous genomic research, and the implications for precision medicine. By fostering a discussion on these issues, I hope to stimulate new ideas and promote a deeper understanding of identity, equity, and inclusion in population genetics research.
