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 Pr

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!