Spring 2003

News from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

There are a number of exciting 2003 events happening in Bethesda Maryland at the National Institutes of Health that you may want to watch for and participate in. To learn more about each of the topics highlighted below go to the newly revamped NHGRI website at http://genome.gov

Planning the NHGRI’s Future – A Vision for the Future of Genomics

Scientists project that by 2003 all of the Human Genome Project goals as outlined in Science, 1998 will be accomplished and the human genome sequence will be completed. The NHGRI has sponsored a number of workshops to help develop the basis for a future national agenda in genomics in general and the focus of the NHGRI in particular. Workshops have examined the current status of technology, clinical research, and research into the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetics. Results from this planning process will provide the backbone to the development of recommendations for a new NHGRI research plan. (http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10001307) This new plan will be published in April 2003 and it has major implications for all health care providers as the benefits of genomics for health and health care will be a major focus.

A Celebration of the Genome – 50 Years of DNA: From Double Helix to Health

In April 2003 the complete sequence of the human genome will be published. This will also coincide with the 50^th anniversary of the publication of the structure of DNA, the seminal work of James Watson and Francis Crick. Several social events and educational symposiums will highlight these accomplishments. To see more about these go to the NHGRI website see http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10005139.

One event, sponsored by the National Institute of Nursing Research, will focus on implications of genetics for nursing research. (http://www.nih.gov/ninr ) Other events will include museum exhibits (see the NHGRI web site) and a series of educational events. (http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10005139) Schools will mark the 50^th anniversary with special lectures and science projects on April 25, 2003, “National DNA Day.” A scientific symposium will be held at the NHGRI on April 14-15 and web cast nationally. It will feature James Watson, Francis Collins, and others discussing the past, present and future of genetics and genomics. There will also be a public symposium at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History on the morning of April 15, 2003.

An Educational Resource

A User’s Guide to the Human Genome was published September 2002 by Nature. This resource is available electronically. See the link to Nature on the NHGRI website at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10005087.

Mentorship Program

The NHGRI and the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) are offering a web-based mentorship program to high school teachers on genetics. To date over 700 volunteers have signed onto the program, including geneticists, lab personnel, and genetic counselors. See more of what is involved by visiting: http://www.genome.gov/Pages/EducationKit/mentor.html. This mentorship network will also participate in some of the April 2003 events mentioned above.

National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) and Genetics Resources on the Web (GROW) http://www.nchpeg.org

The NHGRI and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) recently awarded a contract to NCHPEG that will support efforts to promote health professional education and access to information about advances in human genetics. The next annual meeting is planned for January 29-31, 2003 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Genetics Series

The New England Journal of Medicine began an approximately yearlong series of monthly articles on genomics (vol. 347, #19, Nov. 7, 2002). The articles will focus on the “academically oriented clinician" and attempt to relate the genetics that such a person would be able to use, and thus need to know today. As they are published, the articles in this Genomic Medicine Series will be available without charge at http://www.nejm.org .