When: April 25, 2007
Where: Nationwide
Institute: National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Genetics is a field with vast implications for human health—especially with the wealth of information now available through genomics—and professionals who work in the field include medical doctors, molecular biologists, and genetic counselors. Each year, National DNA Day brings genetics professionals into classrooms around the country, opening a view of this exciting science before young people and acquainting them with its many career possibilities.

On April 25, the fifth annual National DNA Day, dozens of NHGRI professionals will fan out across the nation as “DNA Day Ambassadors,” visiting high school classrooms and sharing their personal experiences in this revolutionary science. This year, NHGRI scientists will concentrate their efforts in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

In addition to community programs, students and teachers around the country can celebrate National DNA Day by tuning in to multimedia webcasts from previous years or by participating in a live online chat. During this moderated session, NHGRI researchers will field questions about basic science; clinical research; genomic careers; and the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research. A wide variety of classroom materials are also available online.

The first National DNA Day was held in 2003 to celebrate the successful completion of the Human Genome Project and the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953.

Next Steps
The homepage for National DNA Day is www.genome.gov/DNAday. Visit this site to:

• Access video podcasts and webcasts of past National DNA Day presentations by NHGRI researchers.
  
  
• Participate in the live online chat on April 25 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.
  
  
• Read a transcript of the chat if you miss the live event.
  
  
• Find a wealth of new educational materials.
  
  
• Look at archived materials from previous years.

If you would like a DNA Day Ambassador to visit your classroom in 2008 or to learn more about how you can participate, e-mail DNAday@mail.nih.gov.

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