Abstract: The development and application of multi-omics and the broader spectrum of data science must be embedded in the human condition and human intersectionality with science and our realworld environment. Despite the emergence of the social determinants of health and environmental exposomes, our application of scientific method and development of algorithms essentially represents an in vitro approach to achieving translational impact in clinical care and population health. In vitro in this case means disconnected from real-world human experience and context. Science devoid of an ethical framework is a primary example. Other examples of scientific breakthroughs that have had minimal impact on public health and health disparities will be noted. Finally, we will discuss the re-engineering of our thinking about problem solving with data science to achieve greater positive impact on the human condition.

Bio: Dr. James Washington is the data science ethicist and Project Director for AIM-AHEAD initiative to build AI/ML capacity at minority serving institutions and to develop a pipeline of underrepresented minority scientists in AI/ML and Staff Scientist for Morehouse School of Medicine’s Cardiovascular Research Institute.