Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) consortium researchers to discuss completion of a human genome sequence

Sarah A. Bates, M.S., M.A. March 27, 2022 PRESS CONTACT

Media are invited to attend an expert panel discuss the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome via virtual conference call on March 31.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will host researchers from the Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) consortium, who have now sequenced the remaining 8% of DNA that was unable to be sequenced by the Human Genome Project and has eluded researchers for nearly two decades.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) will host a press conference in two parts for media. Two expert panels will discuss and answer press questions about the techniques, laboratory tools, computational analyses and strategic approaches that were brought together for deciphering the complete sequence of the roughly 3 billion bases in our DNA.

When: Thursday, March 31, 2022 (embargo lifts at 2 p.m. EDT)
What: Virtual press conference to announce T2T consortium sequencing a complete human genome
Moderator: Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., NHGRI director
Where: Virtual conference link to come
RSVP: NHGRIPressOffice@nih.gov

Session

10:00 a.m. EDT Session One

Main paper authors will discuss what led to this achievement and what this means for the future of genomics.

Adam Phillippy, Ph.D., consortium co-chair and head of the NHGRI Genome Informatics Section
Evan Eichler, Ph.D., consortium co-chair, HHMI investigator, and Professor of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington
Karen Miga, Ph.D., consortium co-chair and Associate Director of the UCSC Genomics Institute at the University of California, Santa Cruz
Michael Schatz, Ph.D., consortium member and Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Biology at Johns Hopkins University.

11:15 a.m. EDT Session Two

Trainees will provide insight into the hands-on work and methodology for completing a human genome sequence.

Sergey Nurk, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, NHGRI
Mitchell Vollger, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, University of Washington
Savannah Hoyt, graduate student, University of Connecticut
Ariel Gershman, graduate student, Johns Hopkins University

Questions? Email: NHGRIPressOffice@nih.gov

About NHGRI and NIH

About the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI): At NHGRI, we are focused on advances in genomics research. Building on our leadership role in the initial sequencing of the human genome, we collaborate with the world's scientific and medical communities to enhance genomic technologies that accelerate breakthroughs and improve lives. By empowering and expanding the field of genomics, we can benefit all of humankind. For more information about NHGRI and its programs, visit www.genome.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

Press Contact

Sarah Sarah A. Bates, M.S., M.A.
Email: sarah.bates@nih.gov
Phone: 301-827-7284

Last updated: March 27, 2022