Overview
National DNA Day
National DNA Day
Celebrating over 20 years!
In 2023, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of National DNA Day. National DNA Day is a unique day when students, teachers and the public can learn more about genetics and genomics. The day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953.
Flashback
How it all began: The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project began in 1990. This international collaborative effort had the goal of mapping and sequencing the human genome. Some of the outcomes from this project included the development and implementation of open data sharing policies, technology innovation, and a greater emphasis on the ethical, social, and legal implications of biomedical research.
White House Announcement
Setting the National DNA Day Stage: Human Genome Project Completed
On April 25, 2003, Dr. Francis Collins, leader of the Human Genome Project, announced from the White House that the first draft of the human genome had been completed. The first draft sequenced close to 90% of the human genome, a first! The Human Genome Project revolutionized genome technologies and was the foundation for the era of genomic medicine.
National DNA Day Declared
April 25
National DNA Day was declared when the late Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY) passed a concurrent resolution in the House of Representatives creating National DNA Day in 2003. This day celebrates the completion of the Human Genome Project and the anniversary of the discovery of DNA's iconic structure, the double helix. To honor Rep. Slaughter’s recognition of National DNA Day, NHGRI concludes its annual DNA Day celebrations with the Louise M. Slaughter National DNA Day Lecture.
National DNA Day Leaders
Education and Community Involvement Branch
The Education and Community Involvement Branch (ECIB) at the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, has been the leader of National DNA Day since the celebration’s inception. Through the ECIB’s leadership, support, and dedication, National DNA Day has a mission statement for all to subscribe to, hosts the Louise M. Slaughter National DNA Day Lecture, promotes other organization’s DNA Day celebrations on its website, and provides celebration materials. ECIB encourages the celebration of National DNA Day from January through May of each year.
National DNA Day Mission Statement
National DNA Day’s Vision and Purpose
National DNA Day is a global movement to mobilize, energize and empower communities, educators and students to innovate, collaborate and discover the promise of our shared humanity and connection to the natural world. The DNA Day mission statement was created by a group of dedicated educators and community partners.
DNA Day Essay Contest
Essay Contest for High School Students
For high school students interested in ways to celebrate National DNA Day, and win prize money along with a grant for their science teacher, they can enter the annual American Society of Human Genetics DNA Day Essay Contest. To enter, students are asked to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics related to a specific essay question. The winners are announced on DNA Day.
Classroom Lesson Plans
Henrietta Lacks' Contributions to Biomedical Research
Resources are available for educators to introduce genomics topics and National DNA Day to students in the classroom. Lesson plans such as the Henrietta Lacks lesson plans, developed specifically by educators, can introduce important topics relevant to genomics to students, encouraging them to think critically about the role of genomics in biomedical research and society.
Celebrate National DNA Day Your Way
National DNA Day Starter Kit
The National Human Genome Research Institute has created a starter kit anyone can use to host a DNA Day event. The free, downloadable, and personalizable materials include business cards, name tags, flyers, a social media toolkit and a certificate of participation.
National DNA Day Symposium
Watch the National DNA Day Symposium
The National Human Genome Research Institute hosted the National DNA Day 20th Anniversary Symposium on April 25. Watch the video recording of the symposium to commemorate two special milestones: the 20th anniversary of the Human Genome Project's completion and the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix.