Finding evidence
Prioritize peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed and other reputable bibliographic databases. Use systematic search strategies rather than relying only on general web search.
Reading and publishing essentials
Critically appraising genomics studies
Examine cohort definition, ancestry/population structure, assay validation, coverage, multiple-testing correction, replication, phenotype quality, batch effects and whether conclusions exceed the data.
Association is not causation
A statistically significant genomic association may reflect linkage disequilibrium, confounding or population structure. Functional evidence and independent replication strengthen causal inference.
Publishing genomic research
Report reference genome/build, software versions, filters, QC thresholds, missingness, statistical models and data/code availability. Use recognized reporting guidance where available.
Open science
Where consent and governance permit, provide reproducible code, metadata and appropriately controlled data access. Protect participant privacy and respect restrictions on genomic data sharing.
Research-use note: This resource is educational and methodological. Study-specific protocols require scientific review, appropriate ethics approval, validated laboratory methods and a prespecified statistical plan.
Working toward a genomics publication?
Our team collaborates on genomics studies from design and analysis through to publication.