Discover the future of genetics and genomics
With over 7,000 past trainees and 600+ esteemed faculty participants globally, the McKusick Short Course has shaped the careers of many. As the leading genetics and genomics educational resource for over 60 years, the course’s rich history and ongoing dedication to excellence provide an unparalleled learning experience.
We recommend this course to advanced undergraduate, graduate and medical students, genetic counselors, residents, fellows, clinicians and researchers. There’s something for everyone!
Scholarships are available for all career stages. Learn more below.
Registration is Open
Jul21
Aug01
2025
Join us for the 66th McKusick Short Course on Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics — a cornerstone event for advanced undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, genetic counselors, residents, fellows, clinicians, and researchers. This dynamic program, renowned for over six decades, is your gateway to the forefront of genetics and genomics, blending foundational knowledge with cutting-edge research and experiential learning.
Why Attend?
In-Person Experience:
Immerse yourself in a comprehensive program featuring daily morning lectures, afternoon workshops, and evening special sessions. Engage with globally recognized experts and peers during poster sessions, faculty lunches, and special receptions—all while enjoying the beauty of Mt. Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
Virtual Access:
Can’t attend in person? Our virtual format ensures you won’t miss out. Access live-streamed daily lectures from approximately 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET, engage in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from recorded content available for six months post-course. Though virtual participants won’t have access to afternoon workshops or live access to evening sessions, the rich online experience ensures you stay connected with the latest in genetics and genomics.
Program Highlights
The course covers basic science, clinical and translational aspects of human genetics and genomics, and runs the gamut from gene and variant discovery in Mendelian and complex disease, genome biology, the molecular basis of genetic disease, the use of animal models of human disease to understand pathophysiology, as well as genetic disease treatment and therapy. Workshops and lectures also cover bioinformatics, population genetics, genome manipulation, mutagenesis and phenotyping.
Special Sessions:
Pilar Ossorio, Ph.D., J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School, Morgridge Institute for Research
Kym Boycott, M.D., Ph.D., Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
John Schimenti, Ph.D., Cornell University
Stylianos Antonarakis, M.D., D.Sc., University of Geneva
The schedule for this years short course is currently under construction. Please view the 2024 course schedule for an idea of topics and daily structure.
Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25HD079344. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) Courses and Conferences program is committed to:
(1) Fostering an educational and working environment that encourages and supports our mission and the promotion of free and open exchange of scientific ideas;
(2) Creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all in-person and virtual participants in educational programs, including event directors and organizers, internal and invited speakers, attendees, and all staff; and
(3) Providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment, in accordance with federal, state and local law, at all of our courses, conferences, symposia and workshops delivered both on and off of the JAX campuses.
The Code and expectations outlined below are aligned with the JAX Code of Conduct and NIH Policy and are applicable to all intramural and extramural participants including faculty, trainees, students and staff.
By registering for and attending a JAX Courses and Conferences -facilitated meeting or event, either in person or virtually, participants agree to:
By participating in JAX Courses and Conferences programming attendees, either in person or virtually, agree to refrain from:
What to do in case of breaches or violations of these guidelines:
Program organizers and leadership can be approached informally about any apparent or actual breaches or violations. Breaches or violations should be reported to the specific program leader or to JAX Courses and Conferences organizers in person or by email:
Reports can be submitted by those who experience harassment or discrimination as well as by those who witness violations of the behavior laid out in this Code. The TDCC will act as needed to resolve the matter, up to and including immediate expulsion of the offending participant(s) from the meeting and exclusion from future events offered by JAX. Individuals at any NIH-supported conference who have questions, concerns or complaints related to harassment or discrimination can also file a report with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or notify NIH. Seeking assistance from a program leader or organizer in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR.
Registration is not available at this time. Please complete the registration interest form to be notified when additional details become available.
Participants are responsible for arranging their lodging off-campus.
Subsidized, dormitory-style, shared lodging will be made available to approximately sixty attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis at College of the Atlantic.
We will be providing shuttles from the College of the Atlantic to the Jackson Laboratory and back for the duration of the course.
Air
Bar Harbor is serviced by two airports:
Hancock County/Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – 20 minutes away
Bangor International Airport (BGR) – 1hr 15 minutes away
Public transportation is not available from local airports. Please visit the Bar Harbor and Bangor airport services webpages for information on shuttles to and from Mount Desert Island. Rideshare options like Uber or Lyft are not commonly available.
Ground
Bar Harbor is approximately 5 hours by car from the greater Boston area. Rental cars are available from Hertz at either nearby airport. Additionally, there is a free Island Explorer bus system which can be used around the island and the national park.
Additional Area Information:
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
Acadia National Park
Director, Center for Human Genetics and Genomics
Dr. Frank V. Sutland Professor of Pediatric Genetics; Professor of Genetic Medicine
Professor, The Robert Alvine Family Endowed Chair
Vice President, Rare Disease Translational Center
Scientific Director and Professor, The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, the Maxine Groffsky Endowed Chair
Professor of Genetic Medicine and Director, Institute of Genetic Medicine
Director, McKusick-Nathans Institute, and Department of Genetic Medicine, Professor of Genetic Medicine; Professor of Medical Genetics, Director of GeneMAP
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