9th Genomic Epidemiology of Malaria (GEM) Conference – 2024

We are pleased to announce the 9th Genomic Epidemiology of Malaria (GEM) Conference. This interdisciplinary conference will be a hybrid meeting – with onsite or virtual attendance. It provides a common forum for malaria scientists, clinicians, and public health professionals working at the interface of genome science and technology, epidemiology and statistical and population genetics, with an interest in understanding the clinical and biological consequences of genome variation in malaria-exposed populations. GEM2024 will bring researchers from across the globe working on various aspects of human, parasite and mosquito genetics together with policy makers to focus on how new biological insights can be used to control malaria.

The elimination of malaria is one of the greatest challenges facing modern medical science, and has been hindered by growing levels of diagnostic and insecticide resistance, invasive vector species and the lack of a highly efficacious vaccine. Knowledge of genome variation in the host, parasite and vector populations is important to overcome these and other obstacles to malaria elimination.

The meeting will explore the genomic epidemiology of the host, vector and parasite, highlighting the practical relevance to malaria control and elimination, including impact on long-term and novel diagnostics and control measures, such as anti-malarial drug therapies, insecticide resistance and vaccines. We will also explore how data standards can be harmonised, sign-post analysis resources for public health, and discuss future priorities for the field.