HomeAbout NHGRIInitiatives and Resources for Minority and Special Populations Community Outreach, Education

Community Outreach and Public Education

For Minority and Special Populations

The participation of underrepresented minorities in genomic research is crucial for both the quality and value of the science. NHGRI has developed and organized several different approaches to help minority communities and the general public understand both the science and the implications of genomic research.

Educational Activities

Educational activities, programs and materials to help minority communities and the general public understand the implications of genome-related research.

• NHGRI/NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan (2004-2008)
  
  
• Genetic Variation Curriculum Kit [science-education.nih.gov]
  A free, classroom-tested collection of games, role-playing exercises, case studies and multimedia resources for high school students. Includes teacher guide.
  
  
• Online Education Kit: Understanding the Human Genome Project
  A free multimedia educational kit designed for high school students and the general public.
  
  
• From the Blueprint to You
  Explores the world of genetics, DNA, the Human Genome Project, the ethical, legal and social implications of genetic research and the future of genomics.

Conferences, Meetings and Lectures

Conferences and meetings of interest to minority communities.

• Executive Summary: Workshop on Characterizing Human Genetic Variation (August 2004)
  A workshop to discuss issues associated with the idea of resequencing the human genome of many additional people for the purpose of further characterizing human genetic variation.
  
  
• New Directions for Sickle Cell Therapy in the Genome Era (November 2003)
  A consideration of how the new tools and techniques of genomics might be applied both to understand more fully the biology of sickle cell disease and to develop more effective therapeutic and preventive strategies for the disease.
  
  
• 2002 Human Genome Lecture Series: "The Human in Genome"
  Lecture series focusing on the ethical, legal and social implications of genomic research.
  
  
• The Human Genome Project Conference: The Challenges and Impact of Human Genome Research for Minority Communities (November, 2002)
  News summary about the conference, held in Bethesda, Md. to discuss the impact of genetic research on members of minority communities.
  
  
• NHGRI Consumer Day (November 2000)
  NHGRI's annual conference designed to answer consumers' questions and concerns about the impact of human genome research on daily lives.

Other Events

NHGRI hosts exhibits at the annual meetings listed below:

• Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science National Conference [sacnas.org]
  
  
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students [abrcms.org]

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Last Updated: July 23, 2009