July 20-21, 2006

July 20-21, 2006
50 Years of 46 Human Chromosomes: Progress in Cytogenetics
Natcher Conference Center
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD

More than 300 scientists from around the world attended the NCI-sponsored symposium, "50 Years of 46 Human Chromosomes: Progress in Cytogenetics," on July 20-21. In her opening remarks, NCI Deputy Director Dr. Anna Barker said, "This discovery set in motion the basis for unraveling the genetics of man and ultimately understanding the origin of disease."

Dr. Daniela Gerhard, director of NCI's Office of Cancer Genomics, reviewed the history of cytogenetics. Other speakers included Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute; Dr. Janet Rowley of the University of Chicago; and Dr. Felix Mitelman of the University of Lund. The organizers plan to publish a summary of the meeting within the next few months.