Scaling pangenomics in Asia: from population diversity to high-quality X-omic reference frameworks | APAC Health Summit 2026

Abstract
This presentation explores how large-scale pangenome projects in Asia are creating more inclusive and representative human genomic reference resources. It highlights advances from the Chinese Population Pangenome Consortium (CPC), which uses long-read sequencing to improve the understanding of structural variation, population diversity, and human evolution across Chinese populations. The talk also introduces the Asian Population Pangenome Consortium (APC), an international initiative developing high-quality, multi-omic reference resources across Asia to better capture genetic and regulatory diversity, providing a stronger foundation for population genetics, evolutionary research, and future biomedical applications.

Biography
Dr Shuhua Xu is a Professor of Human Population Genetics at Fudan University and Director of the Center for Evolutionary Biology. He leads large-scale population genomics and pangenome initiatives, including the Chinese and Asian Population Pangenome Consortia (CPC & APC), integrating long-read sequencing, structural variation, and chromatin architecture data. His work focuses on building high-resolution genomic resources to support precision medicine, population health, and translational research across diverse Asian populations. Dr Xu has published in leading journals including Nature, Science, and Cell, and collaborates extensively with academic, clinical, and industry partners worldwide.