Human Genome Project: A Remarkable Success Story in Science Diplomacy

The HGP marks a momentous achievement in human history and in science diplomacy, involving researchers from across the world in a mega project aimed at decoding the mysteries of the human gene. In the 35 years since the HGP was initiated, the project has been directly or indirectly involved in numerous advances made across a multitude of scientific fields.

The decoding of genes has not only reshaped our understanding of life but also has transformed modern science. These codes of inheritance, once mysterious, are now seen as a powerful tool for development and innovation across various disciplines. Be it medicine, forensic, agriculture or even computing, the insights of the genetic structure have helped in developing precise medicines, genetically modified crops, targeted therapies and more.

Mysteries Unveiled: Human Genome Project revolutionised our understanding of genomics

It not only explains the cause of disease but also opens doors to cure it, marking a shift in healthcare from reactive to preventive. Gene research is redefining ethics, law, and even technology, with debates on gene editing and artificial intelligence integration, and the challenges to data privacy. Overall, the genetic revolution is not defined by one single breakthrough but by a series of ongoing discoveries that continue to transform science and society.

Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project (HGP), often considered as one of the greatest scientific feats, was oriented towards the comprehensive study of DNA or Genome led by an international group of researchers. From October 1990 to April 2003, the program achieved significant accomplishments that helped further technological evolution and scientific and medical advancements. Initially, its stated goal was to analyse the structure of the human DNA, determine the location of all human genes, and make them available for further biological study. Parallel studies were carried out on selected model organisms to provide the comparative information required for understanding the functioning of the human genome.

The foundation of HGP was laid down by Charles De Lisi, Director of the Office of Health and Environmental Research at the U.S. Department of Energy, in 1985. It gained momentum later in 1987 after an evaluation and endorsement by the Health and Environmental Research Advisory Committee (HERAC), an expert advisory body to the U.S. Department of Energy. HERAC endorsed a 15-year plan for the HGP to map and sequence the human genome.

The original human genome sequence from the HGP was primarily based on the DNA of one anonymous individual of mixed ancestry, contributing about 70% of the sequence, while the remaining 30% came from 19 mostly European individuals.

In 1988, a special committee of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences announced the original goals of HGP as sequencing the entire human genome in addition to the genomes of several carefully selected non-human organisms. With this aim, the Sanger DNA Sequencing method was used, advancing it through major technological innovations. The original human genome sequence from the HGP was primarily based on the DNA of one anonymous individual of mixed ancestry, contributing about 70% of the sequence, while the remaining 30% came from 19 mostly European individuals.

Officially started in 1990, the HGP aimed to identify all human genes, determine the sequence of DNA’s three billion base pairs, and make the data widely accessible while also addressing ethical and social implications. It was declared complete by the International Genome Consortium (a group of research centers from multiple countries that worked together to complete the project) in 2003, over two years ahead of its original schedule.

HGP Achievements

At an approximate cost of USD three billion, the economic benefits that the HGP helped introduce is remarkable. However, the first truly complete human genome sequence was not produced until March 2022, while the earlier drafts had gaps. Still, as one of the largest Life Sciences projects, the HGP carried certain expectations and it met them head on, significantly bettering various industries.

Researchers from 20 separate universities and research centres across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and China were involved in the project.

With the full map of DNA, the HGP helped revolutionize science and medicine by enabling personalized treatments based on genetic makeup, improving outcomes for diseases like cancer and heart conditions. In pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics, it led to personalized drug and nutrition strategies, and improving forensic science through more accurate DNA profiling. The project deepened our understanding of human evolution and diversity, boosted biotechnology, supporting innovations in gene editing and synthetic biology. It laid the foundation for modern bioinformatics, allowing scientists to manage and analyse vast genomic data.

Besides its scientific achievements, the project also served as a platform for successful international collaboration towards one set goal. It involved dedicated researchers numbering up to thousands working together with unprecedented cooperation and transparency. Researchers from 20 separate universities and research centres across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and China were involved in the project. The collaboration between these nations, despite the differences in political systems and economic priorities, set the HGP apart as a landmark in science diplomacy.

National Models and Tackling Inclusivity

Over the past two decades, National Genome Research has been initiated by several countries to analyse the genetic background of their population with the aim to establish clinical and genetic indices for frequently reported diseases and to identify their risk factors. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and those in the European Union have launched national and regional genome initiatives to advance healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.

While promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and enabling breakthroughs in healthcare and environmental science, the HGP has also raised ethical questions around privacy and genetic discrimination. The ELSI Program was created to handle Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications, anticipating how genetic data would affect medicine and society. Additionally, the exclusion of certain developing countries from the benefits and participation in the project led to debate and suggestions for the project to be more inclusive and equitable.

Disclaimer: The article expresses the author’s views on the matter and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of any institution they belong to or of Trivium Think Tank and the StraTechos website. The author has used AI tools in copy-editing the article.

Disha Maheshwari is a 4th-year History student under the NEP framework, currently pursuing her dissertation focused on colonial India. Her work engages with questions of law, gender, and community in South Asia, and she aspires to continue research while preparing for competitive management studies.