From the Double Helix through the Human Genome to the Human Variome

Advances in the field of genetics have been significant over the last 60 years since the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, the basic building block of life. Identifying the components of the human genome and understanding their influence and effects on the human body have led to great medical advances and the beginning of a new era in medicine.

UNESCO has joined forces with the Human Variome Project, the successor to the Human Genome Project, which aims to identify and collect information on human genetic variation and mutations as a basis to advance scientific understanding of the role of genetics in human disease. To raise awareness among Member States, and to mark the triple anniversary in 2013, UNESCO organizes this celebratory event in collaboration with the Human Variome Project Consortium.
To accompany the conference, an exhibition will be organized covering the history of genetics and the main topics covered in the conference with a series of images, explanatory texts and timeline representing the main milestones in the history of genetics.