DEVELOPMENT OF A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE RESOURCE TO FACILITATE THE INTERNATIONAL 
HAPLOTYPE MAP (HapMap) PROJECT AND OTHER STUDIES ON GENETIC VARIATION

RELEASE DATE:  June 5, 2003

NOTICE: NOT-HG-03-003

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

The NHGRI has, over a period from approximately January 2002 to June 
2003, invited several P41 resource development applications for the 
collection of blood samples for the International Haplotype Map Project 
("HapMap") and related research on haplotype variation.  The purpose of 
the HapMapProject and of the related research is to generate data about 
haplotype variation in populations whose ancestors come from various 
parts of the world.  The initial determination of the populations to be 
included in this research was made based on the recommendation of an 
initial planning group for the project convened by NHGRI.  

Because of the need to collect these samples in a timely manner and the 
requirement for meaningful engagement or consultation of the 
communities to be approached for participation, the initial planning 
group and the NHGRI Advisory Council agreed that prospective applicants 
should be able to demonstrate pre-existing relationships with the 
relevant communities, and the initial planning group suggested to NHGRI 
staff potential reserachers who had this capability.  The applicants 
for these proposals were identified in this way and were invited to 
submit applications.  

The applications are designated as P41 resource development 
applications because samples that are collected will be available as a 
public resource through the Coriell Institute for related future 
research on genetic variation.  An integral part of the proposals is 
also the deveopment of methodologies for consulting with the relevant 
communities about the HapMap Project and related research on haplotype 
variation, and for generating data about the attitudes and concerns of 
the communities about genetic variation research.

All applications submitted in response to this request are subject to 
the standard NIH peer review system--review by a study section convened 
by the NHGRI's Scientific Review Branch and consideration by the 
National Advisory Council on Human Genome Research.  Some of the 
applications have already been reviewed and funded.  Two applications 
are currently under consideration.

For information about the HapMap Project, please visit our website:  
http://www.genome.gov/10001688.

Program Contact:
Jean E. McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.
Program Director
Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Program
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
[email protected]
http://www.genome.gov/10001618

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