To tackle the underrepresentation of global majority populations in genomics, a new digital platform, the North Thames Genomics Health Hub, will be co-produced with local communities to bridge the gap between genomic medicine and the public.
The Hub will provide accessible, culturally-tailored information and facilitate peer-to-peer support connections to bring awareness to the benefits of genomic medicine and research. By combining trusted resources with shared lived experience, the initiative is designed to build trust, spark meaningful conversations, and empower individuals to engage with their health, and explore co-produced approaches to reduce health inequalities.
For people living in North London, Hertfordshire and Mid and South Essex, the NT GMS serves as one of seven regional NHS services established to improve access to genomic testing and innovation in routine care.
The Observatory and NT GMS will work collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to co-create and co-develop engagement strategies, evidence-based approaches, communications, resources and information sites for signposting as part of the online platform launch.
Last year, the Observatory published its report ‘Ethnic Inequities in Genomics and Precision Medicine’, which called for the development of broad resources designed to engage, inform and empower diverse communities on the benefits, role and function of genomics in health.
One key report recommendation included the development of accessible spaces and/or platforms to bring together communities and deliver tailored communication to inform underserved populations groups, reducing barriers to accessing support and participating in research opportunities. This project represents a direct response to this key recommendation, and its findings could be replicated nationally.
The new agreement marks a significant step towards action, ensuring that communities regardless of ethnicity or background—can benefit from the rapidly advancing field of genomic medicine and research.
The project is scheduled for completion in early 2026.
The NT GMS is the NHS genetic testing provider for seven million Londoners; one of the most ethnically diverse populations across England, where English is not the main language for 24% of the population, and with high levels of highest deprivation.
Despite the transformative potential of genomics and precision medicine, persistent disparities in access to genomic medicine and research, disproportionately disadvantage non-European, non-English speaking, and underserved population groups. This disparity results in a lack of trust, missed diagnoses, misdiagnoses and poorer health outcomes.
