The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project (HGP) is one of the greatest scientific feats in history. The project was a voyage of biological discovery led by an international group of researchers looking to comprehensively study all of the DNA (known as a genome) of a select set of organisms. Launched in October 1990 and completed in April 2003, the Human Genome Project’s signature accomplishment – generating the first sequence of the human genome – provided fundamental information about the human blueprint, which has since accelerated the study of human biology and improved the practice of medicine.
Learn more about the Human Genome Project below.
![Virtual Exhibit](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2024-05/History_exhibits_DYN.webp)
A virtual exhibit exploring the 1990 letter writing campaign to oppose the HGP.
![G5 Reunion](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2023-09/G5_Thumbnail_square.jpg)
A virtual discussion with the leaders of the five genome-sequencing centers that provides the untold story on how they got the HGP across the finish line in 2003.
![DNA sequencing by gel electrophoresis](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2022-07/hgp_dynamic_2_copy.jpg)
A fact sheet detailing how the project began and how it shaped the future of research and technology.
![Human Genome Project Timeline of Events | NHGRI](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/1.4.2_Timeline_of_Events.jpg)
An interactive timeline listing key moments from the history of the project.
![HGP Timeline](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2022-08/HGP_Timeline_DYN_A.jpg)
A downloadable poster containing major scientific landmarks before and throughout the project.
![Francis Collins](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2022-08/lessons_hgp_collins_dyn.png)
Prominent scientists involved in the project reflect on the lessons learned.
![HGP Banbury Meeting](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2022-08/HGP_people_DYN.jpg)
Commentary in the journal Nature written by NHGRI leaders discussing the legacies of the project.
![Science and Nature Covers](/https/www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/images/2022-08/Covers_DYN.jpg)
Lecture-oriented slides telling the story of the project by a front-line participant.
Last updated: May 14, 2024