Bruce Korf Appointed New Editor of The American Journal of Human Genetics

BETHESDA, Maryland and BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, September 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is pleased to welcome Bruce R. Korf, MD, PhD, as the incoming Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG), published by Cell Press. Dr. Korf's term will begin in January 2018. The current Editor-in-Chief, David L. Nelson, PhD, will end his tenure in December 2017.

Dr. Korf is a medical geneticist, educator, and child neurologist, with research interests in the molecular diagnosis of genetic disorders and the natural history, genetics, and treatment of neurofibromatosis. He currently serves as Wayne H. and Sara Crews Finley Chair in Medical Genetics, Professor and Chair of the Department of Genetics, and Director of the Heflin Center for Genomic Sciences at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB). He also co-directs the UAB-HudsonAlpha Center for Genomic Medicine.

"Dr. Korf has an impressive breadth of research and clinical genetics experience, as well as sustained leadership experience in the scientific and medical communities, that will bring a unique perspective to this position," said Hal Dietz, MD, ASHG president and chair of the journal's search committee. "He has shared a compelling vision regarding evolution of the journal and efforts to engage new audiences," Dr. Dietz added.

AJHG, established in 1949, has a strong tradition of publishing wide-ranging, high-impact human genetics research. Dr. Korf hopes to strengthen the journal's reputation by bridging the gap between basic and clinical genetics, a niche he believes it is well positioned to occupy. Current needs in this area include the validation of variants of unknown significance, the development of treatments based on genetic discovery of biological mechanisms, and continuing work in drug discovery and clinical trials.

He also hopes to engage early-career genetics professionals in writing review articles on specific basic and translational topics, as well as interface with the public to share major genetic findings and convey the importance of this work.

A member of ASHG since 1983, Dr. Korf served on the Society's Board of Directors from 2004-2005 and received its annual Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education in 2009. He belonged to the AJHG Editorial Board from 2003-2005, and has served on numerous institutional, regional, and national committees over the years. He has published nearly 200 articles in the scientific literature.

About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 

Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.

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About UAB 

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center and the state of Alabama's largest employer, with some 23,000 employees and an economic impact exceeding $5 billion annually on the state. The five pillars of UAB's mission deliver knowledge that will change your world: the education of students, who are exposed to multidisciplinary learning and a new world of diversity; research, the creation of new knowledge; patient care, the outcome of 'bench-to-bedside' translational knowledge; service to the community at home and around the globe, from free clinics in local neighborhoods to the transformational experience of the arts; and the economic development of Birmingham and Alabama. Learn more at http://www.uab.edu.

About Cell Press 

Cell Press (@CellPressNews), an imprint of Elsevier, is a leading publisher of scientific research and reviews. We drive science forward and promote cross-pollination of ideas with our passion for excellence and commitment to innovation. Our aim is to engage the scientific community by communicating important, exciting discoveries made today that will impact the future of research. Visit http://www.cell.com. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.

About Elsevier 

Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make groundbreaking discoveries that advance the boundaries of knowledge and human progress. Elsevier provides web-based, digital solutions - among them ScienceDirect, Scopus, Research Intelligence and ClinicalKey - and publishes over 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 35,000 book titles, including a number of iconic reference works. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com

Media Contacts:
Nalini Padmanabhan, ASHG Communications Manager
+301-634-7346 | press@ashg.org
Adam Pope, UAB Public Relations Specialist
+205-934-6986 | arpope@uab.edu