Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre invites the citizens of Latvia to participate in the Latvian population genome reference project, which is taking place within the framework of the European "1+ Million Genomes" initiative.
The main goal of the project is to create a genome reference of the Latvian population, which will be used for disease prognostication, screening planning, treatment optimization and scientific development. The Latvian genome reference created as part of the project, together with the population genome data of other European countries, will be included in a unified European genome database within the framework of the "1+ Million Genomes" (1+MG) initiative. The 1+MG initiative aims to provide secure access to genetic and sample-related clinical data across Europe to improve research, develop personalized healthcare and support more effective healthcare policy-making (more information on the 1+MG initiative here: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/1-million-genomes). Starting from 2025, each project participant will receive the results of the analysis of ethnic ancestry composition based on genome data!
Selection of participants
Every citizen of Latvia who has reached the age of majority is invited to participate in the project. However, in order for the genome reference of the population of Latvia to reflect the population of Latvia as accurately as possible, the participation of participants will be carried out by ensuring an even, demographically appropriate distribution of gender, nationality and region of birth. It should be emphasized that for the genome reference to be full-fledged, two or more first-degree blood relatives must not participate in the project. A total of 3,500 participants are expected to be involved in the project.
More about the Latvian population genome reference project.
Photo: Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre