It is a privilege to introduce this new book on public health genetics. Advances in genetic research have created unprecedented tools for understanding human health. The new knowledge arising from this research has the potential to transform disease prevention and management, and public health genetics is a new field poised to harness the insights of this knowledge for the benefit of population health.

To accomplish the task, public health genetics must take a comprehensive approach. It must bring together traditional public health principles, a meaningful evaluation of the combined effects of genetics and environment on health, and attention to the social implications of genetic risk information. Integration of knowledge across a broad array of subject areas will be needed, to support appropriate public policy, health services, mechanisms for communication and stakeholder engagement, and education and training programmes.

This important effort will require the participation of professionals from diverse disciplines. All will have essential expertise to offer the emerging field of public health genetics, yet many will have had little exposure to the full range of issues it must address. Working together will require a common language, based on the underlying science, principles, and goals. For everyone who wishes to participate in the exciting new venture of public health genetics, this book is the right place to start.