All News Items

EOI to join the BOC for GC Certification Committee

Posted on 23/06/2026
We are seeking EOIs for new reviewers to join the Certification Committee. The committee members are volunteers, and meet six times per year via teleconference, with occasional extra meetings if required.

HGSA WA Branch - 2026 ASM Travel Grant

Posted on 22/06/2026
We are pleased to announce we will be offering a Travel Grant to assist a WA member to attend the 2026 HGSA Annual Scientific Meeting in New Zealand.

Remote Working in Pathology Survey

Posted on 15/06/2026
The ACSQHC and NPAAC are undertaking a survey about remote working in pathology.

Protected information - Regulations for Ban on use of genetic tests in life insurance

Posted on 15/06/2026
Treasury has released draft Regulations to support the ban on the use of genetic tests for life insurance purposes. We need your help to define the list of "protected information"

49th ASM Early Bird - Final Call

Posted on 15/06/2026
We are thrilled to announce that early bird registration and abstract submissions are now open for the 49th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA).

NSW Prenatal GC meeting - 4th Monday of the month

Posted on 15/06/2026
NSW Prenatal GC meeting - 4th Monday of the month

ACT Allied Health Awards - nominate now

Posted on 15/06/2026
ACT Allied Health Awards - Nominations now open

Trademark Policy

Posted on 10/06/2026
HGSA has updated its Trademark Policy which outlines the guidelines for the appropriate use of the HGSA and SIG logos. If you are using the HGSA or SIG logos, please read through the guidelines and ensure you have the appropriate permissions.

NSW/ACT 2026 Q3 Branch Grants

Posted on 10/06/2026
HGSA invites financial members of the HGSA NSW/ACT Branch to apply for Branch Grants. These grants support the provision of educational, networking, or other activities to benefit the wider branch membership. Due by 3 July.

Expression of Interest - Early Career Speed-Mentoring Breakfast | HGSA ASM 2026

Posted on 9/06/2026
We are seeking expressions of interest from students, trainees, early-career researchers, clinicians, genetic counsellors, laboratory scientists, and experienced professionals to participate in an ASM Early Career Speed Mentoring Breakfast.

University of Sydney Short Course in Genomics open for trainees and genomic mainstreaming

Posted on 5/06/2026
The University of Sydney is pleased to announce that enrolments are now open for the 2026 Genomics and Precision Medicine Short Course.

NeoScreen Psychosocial Study Recruitment

Posted on 5/06/2026
This study aims to investigate your attitudes towards potential changes to Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programs in Australia, to find ways to best support families.

Extension of ASIEM Travel Grant Applications – HGSA ASM 2026

Posted on 5/06/2026
Applications are now open for ASIEM Travel Grants to support attendance at the Christchurch HGSA ASM and ASIEM SIG Day, as well as relevant international conferences.

HGSA Board of Directors Vacancies

Posted on 4/06/2026
In accordance with the HGSA Constitution, nominations for the HGSA Board of Directors are invited.

Genomic Diagnostics and Genetic Counselling of Paediatric Cases in Culturally Diverse Settings

Posted on 3/06/2026
You are invited to submit a paper on 'Genomic Diagnostics and Genetic Counselling of paediatric cases in culturally diverse settings'. Click the heading to learn more.

New curriculum for Advanced Training in Clinical Genetics to be implemented in 2027

Posted on 2/06/2026
The RACP are delighted to confirm that the RACP College Education Committee (CEC) has approved a new curriculum for Advanced Training in Clinical Genetics, which will be implemented for incoming first year trainees in 2027.

HGSA NZ Branch Travel Grant Applications are NOW OPEN

Posted on 27/05/2026
The HGSA NZ Branch is keen to support members to attend local and international conferences. We are now welcoming applications for travel support ($500) to attend the HGSA ASM in Christchurch.

Help us design approaches and materials to support inclusion of multicultural communities in res.

Posted on 20/05/2026
We are looking for researchers who work, intend to work, or have an interest in genomics research with multicultural communities to take part in a research study.

Express your interest: Genomics of Rare Disease (GRD) Registry

Posted on 20/05/2026
The Genomics of Rare Disease Registry is a national study aiming to better understand rare inherited diseases and connect individuals and families with new research opportunities.

Exploring the Intersection of Patient Mental Health and Genetic Counselling Practice

Posted on 19/05/2026
This study is being conducted as a student project, in partial fulfilment of the research element of the University of Melbourne Master of Genetic Counselling. The project has been ethically approved by the University of Melbourne (Ref: 34262).

Call for interesting cases for Genethics Forum

Posted on 6/05/2026
Can you think of a case that has stayed on your mind, or kept you up at night? Consider submitting the case for inclusion in the Genethics Forum workshop at the upcoming HGSA ASM in August.

Ngā Whakapapa Puāwai: Cultivating the Future of Human Genetics in Asia–Pacific - Program Highlights

Posted on 5/05/2026
At the 49th HGSA Annual Scientific Meeting, we’re bringing our theme to life by highlighting the remarkable work shaping ancestry‑informed genomic medicine and equitable health delivery across our region.

EOI - Calling Clinical Genetics Fellows to join the RACP CG Training Program Committee

Posted on 5/05/2026
To date, we have still yet to receive any EOIs from Fellows. Please be advised we have extended the previously published EOI for the position of Appointed Member/Metabolic Representative to 26 June 2026.

Survey: Empowering Communities in Genomics Research

Posted on 29/04/2026
The survey has been developed to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, priorities and concerns relating to genomics research.

Genomics4Newborns: Outcomes from the Citizen's Jury

Posted on 27/04/2026
As part of the Genomics4Newborns project a national Australian citizens’ jury on the use of genomics in newborn bloodspot screening was held. The results are now published alongside the HGSA's Newborn Screening Response. Read now!

Healthcare Provider Identifiers (HPI) for Australian Genetic Counsellors

Posted on 22/04/2026
Australian Genetic Counsellors on the HGSA-Register are eligible for a Healthcare Provider Identifier - Individual (HPI-I), which is a unique number that identifies you as a Genetic Counsellor with Services Australia.

IJNS is calling for manuscripts for two special issues on genomic newborn screening.

Posted on 8/04/2026
International Journal of Neonatal Screening is calling for manuscripts for two special issues on genomic newborn screening.

Certificates of Appreciation

Posted on 1/04/2026
HGSA recognises the significant amount of volunteers that support our society. Please click here for instructions on how to download your certificate of appreciation.

HGSA Position Statement on SRY gene testing in athletes

Posted on 28/03/2026
HGSA policy on use of SRY gene testing in sport.

Media release and webpage now live - National Clinical Governance Committee for Digital Health

Posted on 24/03/2026
We are pleased to share that a media release announcing the National Clinical Governance Committee for Digital Health (NCGC‑DH) and its associated Expert Advisory Groups (EAGs) has been issued.

Focus Groups to support ICA consumer resource project

Posted on 17/03/2026
ICA are looking for 5 - 6 geneticists or genetic counsellors who work in cancer genetics to participate in one of two Focus Groups, investigating experiences supporting patients with inherited cancer risk, from two priority population groups.

Meeting Communiqué: Better and Faster Expert Advisory Group

Posted on 4/03/2026
The Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) held the inaugural Better and Faster Access Expert Advisory Group (BFA-EAG) meeting on 4 February 2026. This communiqué summarises discussions and key outcomes from the meeting.

Call for recommendations and suggestions for the next edition of the ISCN

Posted on 23/02/2026
The ISCN Standing committee is inviting the genetics community to send their suggestions for consideration by the ISCN SC, for the next edition of the ISCN .

Invitation to participate in a survey on the use of genomics in newborn bloodspot screening

Posted on 11/02/2026
We invite you to participate in a research study exploring the ethical, equity, social, and legal considerations of incorporating genomics into newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) in Australia.

Membership Consultation: Changes to Language for Genetic Counsellor Registration (June 2026)

Posted on 9/02/2026
The GC BOC is seeking member consultation on proposed new language regarding Genetic Counsellor registration and MHGSA/FHGSA status, to ensure alignment with NASRHP 2026 standards. Please submit your feedback by 28 February 2026.

Meet your GC Certification Committee

Posted on 5/02/2026

Participate in Focus Group: Enhancing Access for Youth with Eye Disease to GENomic Services

Posted on 21/01/2026
We're currently recruiting geneticists + GCs for focus groups to gather insights into the barriers you see and face when seeing families living with childhood eye disease (childhood glaucoma, congenital cataracts, retinoblastoma).

Feedback Requested on the Draft National Kidney Genomics Guidelines

Posted on 14/01/2026
We invite you to review and provide feedback on the draft National Kidney Genomics Guidelines. These guidelines outline best-practice standards for genetic and genomic testing in kidney disease across Australia.

Introducing the EESIC Webinar Series 2026

Posted on 16/12/2025
The HGSA Education, Ethics and Social Committee (EESIC) is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new webinar series in 2026!

NSW Government commits to NSW Rare Disease Strategy

Posted on 10/12/2025
Last week, HGSA Past President, A/Prof Mimi Berman participated in a "Rare Conversations Forum" hosted by HGSA Corporate members Alexion.

Changes to requirements for upload of Pathology results via My Health Record

Posted on 7/10/2025
The Australian Digital Health Agency has been working to implement a “Better and Faster Access to health information” program, or “share by default” program.

The weight of rare disease animation

Posted on 10/09/2025
The Rare Care Centre invites schools, educators, health professionals and advocacy organisations to share and utilise this free resource to help build more inclusive learning environments for all students.

Bringing our genomes to medicine – The 2026 Human Genome Meeting

Posted on 26/08/2025
The 2026 Human Genome Meeting will take place at the Zappeion Megaron Conference Center, April 21–24, 2026 in Athens, Greece.

Use of HGSA Genetic Counsellor Registration Numbers

Posted on 23/07/2025
Including your HGSA number in your signature protects your title, builds trust, and promotes transparency. Click to find out how.

New Case Examples Now Available for MHGSA Candidates in Diagnostic Genomics

Posted on 24/04/2025
If you're currently working on—or planning to start—your MHGSA in Diagnostic Genomics, there's good news. To support your case writing, five detailed case examples are now available.

Genetic experts call for more frontline staff to combat long waits for support

Posted on 4/04/2025
HGSA is calling on all major parties and community independents to commit to expanding access to genetic health services and genetic risk assessments for Australians through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) as part of the 2025 Federal Election.