HomeAbout NHGRI Initiatives and Resources Related to Minority and Special Populations

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Initiatives and Resources Related to Minority
and Special Populations

The Human Genome Project (HGP) is perhaps the greatest scientific endeavor of the 21st century and will change the way medicine is practiced and research is conducted in the future. Therefore, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) wants to ensure that ALL populations are knowledgeable about the science underpinning the HGP and have the opportunity to participate in various ways, such as becoming research scientists, research participants and policy makers. It is also important for everyone to be informed about the HGP and understand the ethical, legal and social implications resulting from genetics and genomics research.

In May 2001, the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research approved the Action Plan which outlines clear goals for the inclusion of underrepresented minority groups in research training, research collaborations, and education and outreach activities supported by all components of the institute. This document serves as the blueprint for NHGRI's implementation plan.

Activities and Opportunities

• Research Training and Career Development
  A listing of both NHGRI and extramural programs designed to encourage the recruitment of minorities into genome-related research. Includes fellowships, grants, courses and other learning opportunities.
  
  
• Collaborative Research
  Because some diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and prostate cancer disproportionately affect minority populations, NHGRI recognizes the importance of including minorities in studies of such diseases and their impact on minority communities. NHGRI has initiated several research collaborations designed to increase the involvement of minorities as both research participants and scientific investigators.
  
  
• Community Outreach and Public Education
  The participation of minorities in genomic research is crucial for both the quality and value of the science. NHGRI has developed and organized several different approaches to helping the general public and minority communities in particular understand both the science and implications of genomic research.
  
  
• Funding Opportunities
  Research, career-development, training and education grants for researchers, faculty and students who are members of minority populations or affiliated with minority institutions. These programs are offered in addition to a wide range of funding opportunities featured in our Grants section. NHGRI encourages members of minority and special populations to apply for all of these available funding opportunities.

Conferences, Meetings and Reports

• Summary of Meeting to Discuss Increased Participation of Underrepresented Minority Groups in Doctoral Degree Programs in Genomics-Relevant Sciences(April 15, 2002)
• NHGRI Action Plan to Increase the Number of Underrepresented Minorities Participating in Genomics and ELSI Research (2001)
• NHGRI Strategic Plan for Reducing Health Disparities (November 2001)
  NHGRI's blueprint for involving more minorities in genomics research, education and outreach activities.
• Summary of Grantees' Workshop on Strategies for Increasing the Number of Underrepresented Minorities Participating in Genomics and ELSI Research (November 2001)
• "The Human Genome Project Conference: The Challenges and Impact of Human Genome Research for Minority Communities" (November 2001)

Contacts

Vence L. Bonham, Jr., J.D.
Senior Consultant to the Director on Health Disparities
Office of the Director
E-mail: bonhamv@mail.nih.gov

Bettie Graham, Ph.D.
Program Director, Genome Research Training and Career Development
Division of Extramural Research
E-mail: bg30t@nih.gov

Elizabeth Thomson, M.S., R.N.
Program Director, Ethical, Legal and Social Implications Research
Division of Extramural Research
E-mail: thomsone@mail.nih.gov

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Last Updated: June 2004