NHGRI’s social media activities bring genomics closer to the public – National Human Genome Research Institute

NHGRIs social media platforms provide a great venue for conveying information about genomics to the general public, while also staying connected with colleagues and interested stakeholders. Social media provides NHGRI staff a space to talk about their work, make genomics topics easy to understand, and show how genomics can positively affect people. NHGRIs social media accounts on both Facebook and Twitter post information that is directed to the various NHGRI messages, such as those related to the 2020 NHGRI Strategic Vision, funding opportunities in genomics, the importance of genomic literacy, and the need to increase the diversity of the genomics workforce. In 2019, NHGRI increased its social media presence by starting a dedicated Twitter account for NHGRI director Dr. Eric Green, in addition to the institutes Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Every few weeks, the social media team hosts a #AskDrGenome session, during which a special guest and subject matter expert answers questions on Twitter about specific genomics topics, such as genomic medicine, polygenic risk scores, bioethics, genome sequencing, diversity of the genomics workforce, and genomic literacy. The next #AskDrGenome will be held on Wednesday, September 29, at 3 p.m. ET, during which NHGRI experts Laura Koehly, Ph.D., and Susan Persky, Ph.D., from the NHGRI Social and Behavioral Research Branch will answer questions about social science and augmented reality. Previous #AskDrGenome sessions can be found in the associated Twitter moments.

Twitter users can also test their knowledge about genomics by participating in pop quizzes on the @NHGRI_Directors account with the #PopQuizwithDrGenome series. For these quizzes, the social media team uses the NHGRI fact sheets to create poll questions on Twitter, which are later followed by a video of Eric Green giving the correct answer and talking more about the topic. So far, the series has featured questions about some genomics basics and comparative genomics.

The social media team uses a friendly and engaging voice to encourage the general public to learn more about genomics. Every Friday, the team creates a Twitter thread that breaks down genomics topics that are detailed in available factsheets on genome.gov, including gifs and imagery to make the topics fun for all audiences. Topics have included an introduction to genomics, polygenic risk scores, genome sequencing, chromosomes, and biological pathways. The team also creates #GenomeFacts that provide small bits of accessible information, such as what it will look like to implement genomic medicine. Previous Twitter threads from NHGRI #FactsheetFridays can be found in the associated Twitter moments.

Virtual broadcasts have also allowed NHGRI to host more events and gain a wider audience. Such events are livestreamed on NHGRI social media platforms, making the content easily accessible. Examples include upcoming Bold Predictions Seminars, Genomics and the Media Seminars, and National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research meetings. Viewers are also encouraged to ask questions on social media that may be featured during the Q&A portion of these virtual events. In addition to being livestreamed, the social media team live-tweets these events with information about the speakers, the discussion topic, and relevant quotes from the live event. Now that many genomics conferences and events are virtual, it allows the social media team to share relevant topics with NHGRI Twitter followers, thereby providing access to information that would not otherwise be easily found.

The NHGRI social media team is excited to connect with as many social media followers as possible. To see all of these activities and more, find our accounts on Facebook @genome.gov and on Twitter at @genome_gov and @NHGRI_Director.

Read the rest here:
NHGRI's social media activities bring genomics closer to the public - National Human Genome Research Institute