ROCKVILLE, MD — The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Charles Lee, a preeminent figure in genomic research, as the next Editor-in-Chief of its prestigious open-access publication, Human Genetics and Genomics Advances (HGG Advances). The transition, which marks a significant leadership shift for the journal, is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2027, following a five-year term of dedicated service by the journal’s founding editor, Dr. Michael Bamshad.
The Appointment: A New Chapter for Open-Access Genomics
Dr. Charles Lee—who holds the distinguished titles of PhD, DSc, FACMG, and FRSC—will step into the role with a clear mandate: to bolster the journal’s influence as a premier venue for rapid, high-impact discoveries in the human genetics and genomics sphere.
The selection process was spearheaded by a rigorous Search Task Force led by Dr. Chris Gunter. The committee evaluated an international field of candidates based on their scientific standing, commitment to the professional community, and demonstrated editorial acumen. For the ASHG, the choice of Dr. Lee represents a strategic commitment to maintaining the momentum HGG Advances has cultivated since its inception in 2020.
Chronology of the Leadership Transition
- May 2020: The ASHG officially launches HGG Advances to complement The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG), providing a specialized, fully open-access platform for the global research community.
- Early 2026: The ASHG forms a dedicated Search Task Force, chaired by Dr. Chris Gunter, to identify a successor for outgoing Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michael Bamshad.
- June 3, 2026: The ASHG publicly announces the appointment of Dr. Charles Lee.
- June 2026: Dr. Lee transitions to his new role as Associate Dean of Translational Genomics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
- January 1, 2027: Dr. Lee formally begins his five-year term as Editor-in-Chief of HGG Advances.
Scientific Profile: Who is Dr. Charles Lee?
Dr. Lee’s professional pedigree is characterized by both structural breakthrough and institutional building. Currently serving as the Robert Alvine Family Endowed Chair and a Professor at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, he is credited with transforming the institution into a global powerhouse for genomic inquiry.
His research is best known for the landmark discovery of genome-wide copy-number variants (CNVs) in the human genome. This discovery fundamentally altered the scientific community’s understanding of human genetic diversity. By applying cutting-edge methodologies to map structural genomic variation, Dr. Lee has provided the foundational data necessary to understand how specific genetic sequences influence human evolution, biological development, and susceptibility to complex disease.
Furthermore, Dr. Lee has become a leading voice in "dark genome" research, co-leading international consortia aimed at deciphering the most complex, previously "hard-to-see" regions of the human DNA sequence. His work is consistently among the most cited in the field, reflecting a career defined by rigorous, translational science that bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The appointment has been met with significant enthusiasm from the ASHG leadership. Dr. Susan A. Slaugenhaupt, President of the ASHG, lauded the selection, noting that Dr. Lee’s unique combination of academic brilliance and community service makes him the ideal steward for the publication.
"Dr. Lee brings an outstanding record of scientific leadership, volunteer commitment, and editorial experience to this role," said Dr. Slaugenhaupt. "We are excited to welcome him as Editor-In-Chief and look forward to seeing him build on the strong foundation that Dr. Bamshad has established. The journal has become a critical piece of the ASHG ecosystem, and under Dr. Lee’s guidance, we expect it to continue to evolve as a platform for the rapid dissemination of groundbreaking research."
For his part, Dr. Lee expressed both humility and a forward-looking vision regarding the role of open-access publishing in the modern scientific era.
"I’m honored to serve as Editor-in-Chief of HGG Advances," Dr. Lee stated. "The journal plays a vital role in advancing innovative, high-quality science and ensuring that new discoveries in human genetics and genomics are accessible to the global community. I look forward to partnering with authors, reviewers, and the editorial team to publish the best work being done across the field."
Supporting Data: The Impact of HGG Advances
Since its launch in 2020, HGG Advances has successfully carved out a niche in the academic publishing market. While The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG) has long served as the primary repository for the most significant breakthroughs in the field, HGG Advances was created to address the rapid acceleration of discovery that often outpaces traditional publication pipelines.
The journal’s success is built on three pillars:
- Accessibility: As a fully open-access journal, it removes the paywall barriers that often hinder the distribution of critical medical and genetic research to clinicians and researchers in low-resource settings.
- Breadth of Scope: It publishes a diverse range of research, including methodological advancements, large-scale genomic studies, and critical reviews that synthesize complex data sets.
- Efficiency: By maintaining high editorial standards while streamlining the peer-review process, the journal ensures that findings reach the public quickly—a necessity in an era of rapidly evolving genomic technology.
Implications for the Future of Genomic Medicine
The appointment of Dr. Lee occurs at a pivotal moment in the history of human genetics. With the rise of CRISPR-based therapies, the maturation of precision medicine, and the ongoing effort to create a "pangenome" reference, the role of a top-tier journal is more vital than ever.
Bridging the Translational Gap
One of Dr. Lee’s key strengths is his dedication to translational genomics. By transitioning into his new leadership role at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine simultaneously with his editorship, he is uniquely positioned to ensure that HGG Advances remains a conduit for research that doesn’t just stay on the page, but makes its way into the clinic. His focus on patient care and the clinical application of genomic variants suggests that the journal may increasingly feature research that explores the intersection of high-throughput data and actionable clinical insights.
Cultivating Global Collaboration
Dr. Lee’s international recognition—highlighted by his fellowships with the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and the Royal Society of Canada (RSC)—suggests a strategic focus on expanding the journal’s global reach. As the ASHG continues to grow its international membership, HGG Advances is expected to serve as a hub for cross-border collaboration, ensuring that the global diversity of the human genome is reflected in the research published.
Maintaining Rigor in the AI Era
As the field of genetics faces the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and machine learning in data analysis, Dr. Lee’s background in structural variation and complex genomics will be essential. The editorial team will likely look to his expertise to set standards for how AI-derived genomic discoveries should be validated and reported, ensuring that the integrity of the scientific record remains uncompromised by the rapid speed of computational innovation.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
The transition of leadership at HGG Advances is not merely a change in administrative oversight; it is a statement of intent for the American Society of Human Genetics. By selecting a leader of Dr. Lee’s caliber, the Society is signaling that it intends to keep HGG Advances at the vanguard of the genomics revolution.
As the scientific community looks toward 2027 and beyond, the expectation is that under Dr. Lee’s stewardship, the journal will continue to foster a culture of transparency, speed, and scientific excellence. For researchers, clinicians, and the global public, the continued success of HGG Advances promises a future where the secrets of the human genome are not only unlocked but shared openly for the betterment of human health worldwide.
About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) stands as the world’s foremost professional membership organization for human genetics and genomics. With a base of nearly 8,000 members—ranging from laboratory researchers and bioinformaticians to genetic counselors and clinical practitioners—the ASHG is dedicated to the mission of advancing the human genome as a key to understanding biology and disease. Through its advocacy work, educational initiatives, and commitment to ethical standards, the Society acts as a cornerstone for the global genetics community.
For more information on the ASHG’s ongoing projects, annual meetings, and publication guidelines, please visit their official website at www.ashg.org.
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