The Southern African Society for Human Genetics is a multi-disciplinary non-discriminatory society with the aims of advancing the practice in science of Human Genetics in Southern Africa, facilitating contact between the various disciplines involved with the field, maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards and providing a forum through which education and contact can be maintained.
Aims
Our aims are
- to promote and advance the practice and science of human and medical genetics in Southern Africa
- to facilitate contact between persons in the different branches of human and medical genetics
- to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in all its affairs and activities
- to arrange conferences and symposia
- to initiate contact with similar organizations in other parts of the world
- to practice its affairs in a non-profit making and non-discriminatory manner
History
In 1978 a cytogenetic study group was established at the initiative of Drs. Molly Nelson and Renée Bernstein. Their first meeting was held at the Department of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town and thereafter they met on an annual basis.
On 1 July 1986 an inaugural general meeting of the Southern African Society for Human Genetics was held at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
There were 55 people present at this meeting and Professor Trefor Jenkins was elected as chairman and Professor Renée Bernstein was appointed the first secretary/treasurer.