Celebration of the Genome (April 2003) and DNA Day (April 25)
http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10005139 National Human Genome Research Initiative 50 Years of DNA: From Double Helix to Health APRIL 2003 April 2003 will witness the historic culmination of one of the most important scientific projects in history: the sequencing of the human genome. In addition, April 2003 will mark the 50th anniversary of another momentous achievement in biology: James Watson and Francis Crick's Nobel Prize winning description of the DNA double helix. Furthermore, the April 2003 publication of a landmark scientific report will describe the future of the field of genomics, and the role that the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will play in enabling that future. Events in the Planning Stages (continued from About) To mark these three singular events in the history of science and medicine, the NHGRI is planning a month-long series of scientific, educational, cultural and celebratory events across the United States. For more information on the April 2003 Celebration of The Genome, send an e-mail to Apr2003@mail.nih.gov. April 2003 events planned so far will include: A two-day scientific symposium at the NIH, on April 14 and 15, that will be webcast to institutions around the world. Participants--including James Watson, Francis Collins, and members of the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium--will describe the science and history of the Human Genome Project. In addition, the symposium will explore the future of science and medicine made possible by breakthroughs in genomic science, and will include the unveiling of the NHGRI’s new scientific plan. A half-day public symposium at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History on April 15. The talks will be designed to convey how genomics influences health and society. A plan for bringing the April 2003 celebration of genomics to the classroom by inviting teachers and students to join in the recognition of these historic achievements. Lesson plans, challenging activities and curriculum supplements regarding the Human Genome Project, genomic science and the basics of human genetics will be developed and made available on-line. A national "DNA Day" will take place on April 25, during which high schools throughout the country will utilize such tools as a taped educational event with high school biology students, the NHGRI multimedia education kit, and the American Society of Human Genetics mentors' network. High schools are encouraged to make this the culmination of a month-long focus on genetics. A program of activities for science museums across the country and for the genome sequencing centers that are members of the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium, are funded by NHGRI, or simply have particular interest in public education and community outreach. For April 2003 media inquiries contact: Geoff Spencer Phone: (301) 402-0911 E-mail: spencerg@mail.nih.gov * * * * * * * * * * http://www.nabt.org/sub/news/2003_01_09.asp National Association of Biology TEachers Plan a Teachable Moment on National DNA Day - April 25, 2003 April 2003 will mark the completion of the sequencing of the human genome and the 50th anniversary of the description of the double helix structure of DNA. The National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, invites teachers and students to join in celebrating these landmark achievements. Free, on-line educational resources are available for use at www.genome.gov/Education. Please visit our website for more information and to enter a drawing to win a free trip to Washington, D.C. to join Nobel Laureate James Watson and NHGRI Director Francis Collins in a historic educational event! The deadline is January 31, 2003. * * * * * * * * * *