Fourth Marine Mammal Genomics Workshop (G4)
Bottom left to right: Presenters Jacob Linsky, recent PhD graduate, and PhD Candidate Svenja Marfurt.
On November 9-10, 2024, researchers, students, and practitioners from around the globe gathered in Perth, Australia, for the Fourth Marine Mammal Genomics Workshop (G4) as part of the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. This dynamic two-day event brought together participants with a wide range of expertise and backgrounds to push the boundaries of marine mammal genomics research. Through engaging keynote talks, diverse presentations, and interactive sessions, G4 inspired new ideas, fostered collaboration, and set the stage for the future of the field.
A Workshop that pushed typical boundaries
What made G4 stand out? Inclusivity, creativity, and meaningful in-person engagement. The workshop focused on actively fostering connections between participants, creating a welcoming environment for collaboration, discussion and mentorship.
The workshop opened each day with keynote addresses from leading figures in marine mammal genomics Dr Phil Morin, and Dr Sergio Nigenda-Morales, providing a compelling overview of the field’s current landscape and future directions.
Presentations and discussions spanned evolutionary insights, conservation strategies, bioinformatics, low-cost genomics, disease genomics, and integrating genomics with Traditional Knowledge, all highlighting innovation and practical solutions, with a focus on real-time problem solving. AGA’s funding was instrumental in supporting the attendance of 10 participants from 7 different countries, enabling diverse global representation at the workshop.
Student Perspectives
G4 also provided a valuable platform for early-career researchers to shine. Here’s what some students had to say about their experience:
- “The genomics workshop provided a platform to connect with leading experts in the field while showcasing my own research. The activities were thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful scientific discussions, to network, seek guidance, and establish new connections.”
- “Attending the marine mammal genomics workshop (G4) as part of SMM 2024 was an excellent learning experience and provided a great networking platform too. I met so many researchers at different career stages, discussed ideas with collaborators, and built what I hope will be lasting connections with fellow students in the marine mammal genomics space. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to be part of the workshop, and I hope to attend similar workshops in the future.”
- “The G4 workshop was amazing. It was such a great chance to share ideas with both young and experienced experts in the field. It offered valuable insights into the state of the art in marine mammal genomics and fostered discussions on potential advancements. Plus, I was able to connect with people from my home country, Brazil, which could lead to exciting collaborations in the future.”
These reflections highlight the workshop’s commitment to inclusivity and to supporting the next generation of researchers.
Achievements and Next Steps
The energy at G4 has already sparked tangible outcomes. New collaborations have been formed. Looking forward, participants are set to co-author a comprehensive review paper synthesizing key findings from the workshop. Planned for 2025, this collaborative effort will provide an in-depth overview of the state of marine mammal genomics and its future directions.
Reflections
The success of G4 proved that innovation and collaboration thrive in an environment where people come together, share ideas, and tackle problems as a community.