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The Human Genome Project (HGP) is one of the greatest scientific feats in history. The project was a voyage of biological discovery led by an international group of researchers looking to comprehensively study all of the DNA (known as a genome) of a select set of organisms. Launched in October 1990 and completed in April 2003, the Human Genome Project’s signature accomplishment – generating the first sequence of the human genome – provided fundamental information about the human blueprint, which has since accelerated the study of human biology and improved the practice of medicine.
Learn more about the Human Genome Project below.
A virtual exhibit exploring the 1990 letter writing campaign to oppose the HGP.
A virtual discussion with the leaders of the five genome-sequencing centers that provides the untold story on how they got the HGP across the finish line in 2003.
A fact sheet detailing how the project began and how it shaped the future of research and technology.
An interactive timeline listing key moments from the history of the project.
A downloadable poster containing major scientific landmarks before and throughout the project.
Prominent scientists involved in the project reflect on the lessons learned.
Commentary in the journal Nature written by NHGRI leaders discussing the legacies of the project.
Lecture-oriented slides telling the story of the project by a front-line participant.
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Last updated: May 14, 2024
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