DNA Day Ambassadors Will Encourage Students to Pursue Genomic Careers

Bethesda, Maryland, USA - On April 30, dozens of researchers and staff from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) will head back to high schools in rural and urban communities across the country to share with students some of the exciting research taking place at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The presentations by NHGRI\'s \"DNA Day Ambassadors\" will coincide with the second annual celebration of National DNA Day, which commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of DNA\'s double helix in 1953.

Many of the ambassadors will return to high schools in their hometowns, while some will reach out to other schools that have expressed interest in expanding their students\' knowledge of genomic science. NHGRI, in cooperation with the American Society of Human Genetics, the Genetic Alliance and the National Society of Genetic Counselors, hopes that the DNA Day experience will inspire more students, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged populations, to consider careers in genetics and genomics.

\"As we embark on the genome era, we face an urgent need for a new generation of young scientists trained in everything from computer science to bioethics. National DNA Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from real-life genome researchers how they too can become scientists and join in our effort to use genomics to improve human health,\" said NHGRI Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.

To help teachers and students make the most of National DNA Day, NHGRI also has developed free, educational tools on genetics and genomics, which are available at www.genome.gov/DNAday.

NHGRI is one of the 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Additional information about NHGRI can be found at its Web site, www.genome.gov.

CONTACT:
Geoff Spencer, NHGRI
spencerg@mail.nih.gov
301-402-0911