DOE Human Genome Program Contractor-Grantee Workshop VIII
February 27-March 2, 2000  Santa Fe, NM

142. DOE Genome Program Coordination and Outreach

Sylvia J. Spengler, Janice L. Mann, and Leonora I. Castro

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720

SJSpengler@lbl.gov

The DOE Genome Program of the Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER) has developed a number of tools for management of the Program. Among these was the Human Genome Coordinating Committee (HGCC), established in 1988. In 1996, the HGCC was expanded to a broader vision of the role of genomic technologies in OBER programs, and the name was changed to reflect this broadening. The HGCC became the Biotechnology Forum. The Forum is chaired by the Associate Director, OBER.

Specifically, DOE is committed to encouraging the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers. The OBER has identified magnet schools, such as those devoted to science and technology, as a target of opportunity for the initial development and testing of a new program involving DOE program managers, national laboratory scientists, and schools around the country. A broad program includes mentorship in student research projects, summer enrichment programs for teachers at the national laboratories, lecture series by scientists, student summer internships and a technical expertise, as needed. We used Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in Alexandria, VA as our first school partner.

In addition, the coordinating group has been deeply involved in the development of the Office of Science Community College Intern Program.