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The Human Genome Project

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.

G5 Reunion
Video: 20 Years after the Human Genome Project: G5 Leaders Reunite

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.

DNA sequencing by gel electrophoresis
Human Genome Project Fact Sheet

A fact sheet detailing how the project began and how it shaped the future of research and technology.

Human Genome Project Timeline of Events | NHGRI
Human Genome Project Timeline

An interactive timeline listing key moments from the history of the project.

HGP Timeline
Human Genome Project Poster

A downloadable poster containing major scientific landmarks before and throughout the project.

Francis Collins
Video: Lessons from the Human Genome Project

Prominent scientists involved in the project reflect on the lessons learned.

HGP Banbury Meeting
Human Genome Project: Twenty-five Years of Big Biology

Commentary in the journal Nature written by NHGRI leaders discussing the legacies of the project.

Science and Nature Covers
Human Genome Project Overview Slides

Lecture-oriented slides telling the story of the project by a front-line participant.

Last updated: September 7, 2023