Summer Genetics Institute
Overview
The NINR Summer Genetics Institute (SGI) is an intensive, two-month summer research training program designed to provide a foundation in molecular genetics for use in research and clinical practice. The purpose of the SGI is to develop and expand the research capability among graduate students and faculty in schools of nursing, and to develop and expand the basis for clinical practice in genetics among advanced practice nurses. The program features both classroom and laboratory components and participants spend two months in residence at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Graduates of the program receive 12 hours of doctoral-level college credit for the course.
SGI History
The SGI was conceived at a planning meeting held on the NIH campus in March 1999. This meeting brought together distinguished academic and clinical nurses, scientists, physicians, ethicists, and other consultants, and their suggestions contributed to the development and implementation of the program curriculum. The first SGI was held on the NIH campus during the summer of 2000. Since that time, there have been 159 graduates of the program. To date, they have published more than 125 peer-reviewed papers, and presented at numerous national and international conferences.
Comments from Previous Summer Genetics Institute Participants ![An SGI Student working in the Lab](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118085401im_/http://www.ninr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/B4943E96-3BD0-45C6-B957-BCA63A03E3F2/0/SGI08Image2.jpg)
"This course was very valuable for me to prepare for my 2 year post doctoral study in pharmacogenetics. The course was outstanding. I leave here with a good foundation in molecular genetics and a network of researchers in the field. I am extremely grateful to have been a part of this summer institute. It exceeded my expectations in every way...I feel the experience will serve to impact my research for years to come. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity."
"The Summer Genetics Institute was truly an extraordinary experience for me. It was indeed a cutting-edge training program...This invaluable training has given me the opportunity to learn so much about genetics - both fundamental concepts and knowledge in genetics as well as laboratory skills that would be essential for my biobehavioral nursing research."
"The SGI was not only a highlight, but also a cornerstone, of my doctoral education. Not only did I learn an enormous amount of information, but I met many extraordinary individuals who will be future contacts, collaborators, and friends. The information I learned this summer provided me with a solid scientific foundation from which I will be able to spearhead my research, and address some of the issues in genetics that are important to me, such as the use of genetic information to prevent or treat disease, as well as individual and family consequences of genetic testing."
![An SGI Discussion Session](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090118085401im_/http://www.ninr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/490813DC-34A4-4D90-A46D-9DB11832D473/0/SGI08Image3.jpg)
The 2009 SGI
The 2009 SGI will take place from June 8 to July 31. Information about the paper-based application is available under How to Apply (below).
The deadline for applications is March 2, 2009.
Questions about the program should be directed to:
Summer Genetics Institute
Division of Intramural Research
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Institutes of Health
Hatfield Clinical Research Center
10 Center Drive, MSC-1506
Suite 2-1339
Bethesda, MD 20892-1506
Email: ninrsgi@mail.nih.gov
Phone: (202) 255-6922