Sequencing the human genome: unraveling the mysteries of health and disease

The American Association for the Advancement of Science presents

NOW THAT WE HAVE SEQUENCED THE HUMAN GENOME, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

A congressional seminars series for Members of Congress, their Staffs, and the Interested Public

The recent announcement from both the public and private sectors on the completion of the human genome sequence has raised hopes of a medical revolution that will lead to major advances in human health. To take full advantage of this momentous scientific achievement will require public confidence that the genetic knowledge gained about individuals and groups will be used appropriately to improve health and not to discriminate unfairly against people. This seminar series will examine the nature of concerns regarding genetic discrimination in different settings as a way of promoting the sharing of information and public dialogue on this important set of issues.

Announcing the first in a series of breakfast seminars on concerns related to genetic discrimination.

WHO: Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health

TOPIC: "Sequencing the Human Genome: Unraveling the Mysteries of Health and Disease"

WHEN: April 3, 2001, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.; breakfast will be served

WHERE: 2318 Rayburn House Office Building

SPONSORS: Representatives Louise M. Slaughter, Constance A. Morella, and Bob Ney

ORGANIZERS: Directorates for Education & Human Resources and Science & Policy, American Association for the Advancement Science (AAAS)

CONTACT: Samir Singh (AAAS) at ssingh@aaas.org or 202-326-6771

Future seminars will cover such topics as the following:

• How fears of possible discrimination affect people's participation in research;
• Perceptions and reality regarding discrimination in work and insurance;
• The subtleties of discrimination due to individual and group stigmatization;
• Allocating resources and establishing priorities for genetic research.

To receive announcements of future seminars please contact Samir Singh (ssingh@aaas.org or 202/326-6771) or visit our website (http://www.aaas.org/spp/cstc/genetic).