  The ways in which race, ethnicity, and ancestry are used and reported in
human genomics research has wide-ranging implications for how research is
translated into clinical care, incorporated into public understanding, and
implemented in public policy. Genetics researchers play an essential role in
proactively dismantling genetic conceptions of race and in recognizing the
social and structural factors that drive health disparities. Here, we offer
commentary and concrete recommendations on the use and reporting of race,
ethnicity, and ancestry across the arc of genetic research, including
terminology, data harmonization, analysis, and reporting. While informed by our
experiences as researchers in the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine
(TOPMed) program, the recommendations are broadly applicable to basic and
translational genomic research in diverse populations. To fully realize the
benefit of diversifying genetics research beyond primarily European ancestry
populations, we as genetics researchers need to make structural changes to the
research process and within the research community. Considerable collaborative
effort and ongoing reflection will be required to root out elements of racism
from the field and generate scientific knowledge that yields broad and
equitable benefit.
