Industry at the Heart of Genomics: Reflections from HGSA 2025

The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) held its 48th Annual Scientific Meeting in Sydney, 15–18 August, bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patient advocates, and industry leaders at a pivotal moment for genomics in Australia.The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) held its 48th Annual Scientific Meeting in Sydney, 15–18 August, bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patient advocates, and industry leaders at a pivotal moment for genomics in Australia.

For InGeNA, the conference was an important opportunity to connect across the ecosystem, showcase our members, and highlight the essential role of industry in scaling genomics and precision medicine.

A plenary on the role of industry

Our CEO, Dr Erin Evans, was honoured to deliver a plenary session — From Innovation to Implementation: Industry’s Role in Scaling Australia’s Genomic Ecosystem — alongside Professor Kathryn North (Australian Genomics), Tiffany Boughtwood (Genomics Commissioner, Genomics Australia), Mel Anderson (PURA Foundation), and Azure Hermes (Indigenous Genomics Alliance).

The plenary underscored that industry is not just a participant but a critical partner in mainstreaming genomics. Globally, industry-led investment and public–private partnerships are what move genomics from research pilots into routine care. Locally, InGeNA and our members bring that same momentum to Australia — working end-to-end from translational research to patient access.

Key messages from the plenary included:

• Scale matters. Without efficient pathways to adoption, Australia risks falling behind as other nations integrate genomics into health systems at pace.
• Industry is the bridge. From clinical trials to reimbursement readiness, companies help ensure that new tests, technologies, and treatments move from the lab to the clinic efficiently.
• Examples of impact. The $185M PrOSPeCT initiative, with $123.8M funded by industry, and AstraZeneca’s advance work to support BRCA testing reimbursement, show what coordinated partnerships can deliver.
• Patients at the centre. InGeNA’s Consumer Advisory Group ensures that patient voices are embedded in every policy and project, building the social licence that genomics requires.
• A roadmap forward. InGeNA’s Genomics Roadmap will set out practical milestones on infrastructure, workforce, interoperability, and funding to support the national policy framework and scale adoption.

Dr Evans closed with a call to collaboration: scaling genomics in Australia is a collective endeavour, and industry is ready to partner, invest, and deliver alongside researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocates.

On the floor: innovation and connection

At Booth #1, InGeNA was proud to share space with three standout innovators: Gene S, 23Strands, and Genomical. Each demonstrated the strength of Australia’s innovation pipeline in precision medicine and genomic data.

We also reconnected with our wider community including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Illumina, AstraZeneca, Decode Science, MGI, and consumer partners such as our Consumer Advisory Group Chair, Monica Ferrie. Friday night’s dinner after the welcome drinks was a reminder of how much energy and momentum comes from gathering in person.
It was wonderful to connect with organisations who are planning to grow in Australia and we look forward to staying connected and welcoming them to the industry ecosystem.

Looking ahead

This year’s HGSA ASM was the first major sector gathering since the launch of Genomics Australia and the release of its draft policy framework. There is now real momentum to move from innovation to scalable national impact.

InGeNA will continue to ensure the voice of industry is heard clearly in this process. Together, we have the chance to build a trusted, equitable, and world-leading genomics ecosystem that delivers for every Australian.