Applied genomics in the clinic : report and recommendations of a JRC workshop within the context of JRC enlargement and integration activities (E&IA)

Within the context of JRC Enlargement and Integration Activities (E&IA), the workshop "Applied genomics in the Clinic" was organised in Istanbul on 17-19 October 2012. The main aim of the workshop was to get an overview of the state of the art of applied genomics in the clinical context in accession and candidate countries, as well as new members, to share best practices in EU and to evaluate these in the light of a public health perspective. There is a clear divide behind the genomic services offered in a country and the awareness among research scientists of the available genomic applications and the future impact of genomic technologies on health services and clinical approaches. In all countries there are a number of common obstacles that delay penetration of genomic technologies in clinical applications : lack of recognised experts ( medical genetics HAS to be recognised as a medical specialty) lack of a regulatory framework that involves political determination of decision makers, lack of common databases on methods and experts, lack of ongoing education for physicians and most importantly reimbursement of testing. Stronger connections and collaborations with the EU for research and technology transfer will function as a leverage for these countries in adopting genomic tools and harmonising the quality of healthcare services they offer. It is very important to establish recognized objective state of the art guidelines for application of genomic technologies in clinical practice. Such guidelines adopted by countries will form the basis of reimbursement policies at national and cross border levels. In addition establishing reliable, not for profit, open access databases for building reference datasets for correct and efficient interpretation of complex data generated by advanced genomic technologies will speed up adoption of the technology in the clinic.