The Jackson Laboratory

Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics: The 67th McKusick Short Course

Location: The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine & Virtual

Discover the future of genetics and genomics

With over 7,000 past trainees and 600+ esteemed faculty participants globally, the McKusick Short Course has shaped the careers of many. As the leading genetics and genomics educational resource for over 60 years, the course’s rich history and ongoing dedication to excellence provide an unparalleled learning experience.

We recommend this course to advanced undergraduate, graduate and medical students, genetic counselors, residents, fellows, clinicians and researchers. There’s something for everyone!

Scholarships are available for all career stages. Learn more below.

Jul

20 - 31

2026

About

Join us for the 67th McKusick Short Course on Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics — a cornerstone event for advanced undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, genetic counselors, residents, fellows, clinicians, and researchers. This dynamic program, renowned for over six decades, is your gateway to the forefront of genetics and genomics, blending foundational knowledge with cutting-edge research and experiential learning.

Why Attend?

In-Person Experience:

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive program featuring daily morning lectures, afternoon workshops, and evening special sessions. Engage with globally recognized experts and peers during poster sessions, faculty lunches, and special receptions—all while enjoying the beauty of Mt. Desert Island and Acadia National Park.

Virtual Access:

Can’t attend in person? Our virtual format ensures you won’t miss out. Access live-streamed daily lectures from approximately 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET, engage in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from recorded content available for six months post-course. Though virtual participants won’t have access to afternoon workshops or live access to evening sessions, the rich online experience ensures you stay connected with the latest in genetics and genomics.

Program Highlights

The course covers basic science, clinical and translational aspects of human genetics and genomics, and runs the gamut from gene and variant discovery in Mendelian and complex disease, genome biology, the molecular basis of genetic disease, the use of animal models of human disease to understand pathophysiology, as well as genetic disease treatment and therapy. Workshops and lectures also cover bioinformatics, population genetics, genome manipulation, mutagenesis and phenotyping.  

Special Sessions:

  • Featuring experts from American and African Societies of Human Genetics
  • The Human Genetics Clinic is a unique opportunity for direct interaction with experienced medical geneticists diagnosing rare conditions. Witness the impact of genetics on real patients, making the course content vividly real.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25HD079344. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Accommodation Information

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Erin McDevitt at 207-288-6000 x256659 or [email protected].

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute On Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R13AG089980. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

"We all got together in one spot for two weeks to talk about the latest and greatest in our field. I'm glad I went to the in-person version of the course, too. There is so much to be gleaned from intentional involvement in conversations with instructors and attendees."

— Bioinformatics Scientist, Children’s Mercy Research Institute

"The instructors were really engaging and the cohort of trainees I was with came from diverse backgrounds in clinical, population, and molecular genetics, which made for great conversations outside of the lecture hall."

— Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Mississippi Medical Center

Registration

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Travel Information

Participants are responsible for arranging their lodging.

Subsidized, dormitory-style, shared lodging will be made available to approximately sixty attendees at the College of the Atlantic Residence Halls. 

Refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a list of hotels, motels, and private rentals nearby The Jackson Laboratory.
Participants must adhere to Maine State travel, health and safety guidelines at the time of the event and use good judgement when arranging lodging. We recommend participants be familiar with their hotel’s cancellation policies prior to booking. The Jackson Laboratory is not responsible for lodging expenses or losses incurred due to the cancellation or rescheduling of an event.

Event Contact

Lily Schenk

People

Aravinda ChakravartiAravinda Chakravarti, Ph.D.Director, Center for Human Genetics and GenomicsNYU Langone Health
Ada HamoshAda Hamosh, M.D., M.P.H.Dr. Frank V. Sutland Professor of Pediatric Genetics; Professor of Genetic MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Nadia RosenthalNadia Rosenthal, Ph.D., FMedSci, FAAHMSScientific Director and Professor, The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, the Maxine Groffsky Endowed Chair
David ValleDavid Valle, M.D.Henry J. Knott Professor and Johns Hopkins PhysicianJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine

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