Documenting genomics: Applying archival theory to preserving the records of the Human Genome Project

Jennifer Shaw

doi:10.1016/j.shpsc.2015.08.005

Abstract

The Human Genome Archive Project (HGAP) aimed to preserve the documentary heritage of the UK's contribution to the Human Genome Project (HGP) by using archival theory to develop a suitable methodology for capturing the results of modern, collaborative science. After assessing past projects and different archival theories, the HGAP used an approach based on the theory of documentation strategy to try to capture the records of a scientific project that had an influence beyond the purely scientific sphere. The HGAP was an archival survey that ran for two years. It led to ninety scientists being contacted and has, so far, led to six collections being deposited in the Wellcome Library, with additional collections being deposited in other UK repositories. In applying documentation strategy the HGAP was attempting to move away from traditional archival approaches to science, which have generally focused on retired Nobel Prize winners. It has been partially successful in this aim, having managed to secure collections from people who are not ‘big names’, but who made an important contribution to the HGP. However, the attempt to redress the gender imbalance in scientific collections and to improve record-keeping in scientific organisations has continued to be difficult to achieve.

Highlights

The failure to preserve the records of scientific endeavour is intermittently bemoaned by scientists, historians and archivists
The Human Genome Archive Project (HGAP) aimed to preserve the documentary heritage of the UK’s contribution to the Human Genome Project (HGP) by using archival theory to develop a suitable methodology for capturing the results of modern, collaborative science
The records of science and technology still do not feature on the post-graduate courses and, unless there is a reversal of the current trend, a dedicated module is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Against this backdrop of concern that not enough was being done by all sides to preserve the records of science and technology in general, in the late 2000s key organisations involved in the Human Genome Project (HGP) started to worry about these records

Summary

Introduction

The failure to preserve the records of scientific endeavour is intermittently bemoaned by scientists, historians and archivists. Dunn led by example by depositing his papers at the American Philosophical Society and actively encouraged other scientists to do the same.1 Similar concerns to those expressed by Dunn can be seen from the archival perspective, with the lack of training and interest shown by archivists in scientific material both raised as issues. The records of science and technology still do not feature on the post-graduate courses and, unless there is a reversal of the current trend, a dedicated module is unlikely in the foreseeable future Against this backdrop of concern that not enough was being done by all sides to preserve the records of science and technology in general, in the late 2000s key organisations involved in the Human Genome Project (HGP) started to worry about these records . The UK project, known as the Human Genome Archive Project (HGAP), was launched by the Wellcome Library, funded by the Wellcome Trust, in January 2012 to preserve the documentary heritage of the HGP in the UK. This paper will tell the story, from an archivist’s perspective, of how archival theory was applied to modern collaborative science to develop and implement a suitable survey methodology by the UK project between January 2012 and December 2013

Approaches to scientific collecting

Archival theory

Documentation strategy and my approach to the HGAP

Conclusion