New Horizons in Genomics
The completion of the international Human Genome Project is one of the most significant milestones in the history of biology. It marks the beginning of an era that promises profound insights into the molecular functioning of all forms of life. Systems biology, the impact of organisms on each other and on the earth’s environment, and fields of biological investigation yet to be identified surely will be influenced by the discoveries and technologies of genomics.
As significant as it is, however, the elucidation of its genomic sequence obviously is only one step along the path to understanding how an organism is built and its actions are governed. The genome, which has been described as a “parts list,” helps us characterize the basic elements involved in nearly all biological processes. The next major task for genomics is to begin drafting an “operating manual” that will tell us how the parts work together in their development and functioning and how they interact with their environment. These insights will substantially further our understanding of systems biology and the mechanisms of evolution.
At this pivotal moment in the history of genomics, the DOE Joint Genome Institute is pleased to sponsor this meeting on “New Horizons in Genomics.” The meeting’s aim is to share information about the progress and promise of the various genome projects completed, under way, or planned; the Department of Energy’s Microbial Genome and Genomes to Life programs; and visions of the ways in which genomics and its associated technologies may transform biological sciences in the 21st Century. The meeting will include invited speakers as well as talks from abstracts in the areas of the human genome, comparative and evolutionary genomics, microbial genomics, systems biology, functional genomics, and genomic technologies.
On behalf of the DOE Joint Genome Institute, we welcome you to Santa Fe and look forward to your participation in and contributions to the meeting.
DOE Joint Genome Institute