Science AMA Series: Hi Reddit! I’m Eric Green, Director of the National
Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH). I’m excited to talk about the Human Genome Project, and
Genomic Medicine. Ask Me Anything!
Abstract
Hi Reddit - I’m Eric Green, Director of the National Human Genome
Research Institute (NHGRI) since 2009. NHGRI is the largest organization
in the world solely dedicated to genomics research, and a part of the
National Institutes of Health. I started my career in genomics research
in the lab of Dr. Maynard Olson at Washington University, and was then
appointed Assistant Professor of Pathology and Genetics and
Co-Investigator in the Human Genome Center at Washington University. Two
years later, I joined the brand new “Intramural Research Program of the
National Center for Human Genome Research”, which was later renamed the
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Prior to becoming
Director of NHGRI, I served as Scientific Director of the NHGRI
Intramural Research Program, Chief of the NHGRI Genome Technology
Branch, and Director of the NIH Intramural Sequencing Center. During
that time, and for almost two decades, my lab was at the forefront of
efforts to map, sequence, and understand eukaryotic genomes. I was
significantly involved in the Human Genome Project from start to finish.
As Director of NHGRI, I am responsible for providing overall leadership
of the Institute’s research portfolio and other initiatives. In 2011, we
developed a new vision for the future of genomics research, entitled
Charting a course for genomic medicine from base pairs to bedside
(Nature 470:204-213, 2011). Since that time, I have led the Institute in
broadening our research mission, including designing and launching a
number of major programs to accelerate the application of genomics to
medical care. I’ll be back at 1 pm EST (10 am PST, 6 pm UTC) to answer
your questions, ask me anything!