If you are interested in supporting the Personal Genome Project, please register for enrollment updates or donate now.
Personal Genome Project
Participation Overview
The Personal Genome Project is an open-ended research study that aims to improve our understanding of genetic and environmental contributions to human traits. We are enrolling members of the public who are willing to share their genome sequence and other personal information with the scientific community and the general public.
Background Materials
Prospective participants should familiarize themselves with all aspects of the Personal Genome Project (PGP), including eligibility criteria, benefits, risks, and study protocols as outlined in the consent forms and throughout this website. The following resources will help you make a thoughtful decision about whether to volunteer for this study being conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School.
(1) Consent Forms: During the enrollment process, prospective participants will be asked to read, review, and electronically sign two different consent forms (1) the "mini-consent" for eligibility screening procedures and (2) the full consent for enrollment and ongoing participation. You should carefully read and review these consent forms. Read now.
(2) PGP Study Guide: An educational study guide has been developed for prospective PGP volunteers by the Alan & Priscilla Oppenheimer Foundation. These materials are designed to help participants learn concepts relevant to passing the entrance exam. Go to the study guide website.
(3) PGP Public Profiles: The public profile pages for enrolled participants in the PGP can be reviewed online. After reviewing these profile pages, you should contemplate whether you are comfortable making your genetic and trait data publicly available as well.
(4) Family History: We encourage you to participate in the U.S. Surgeon General's Family Health Portrait to increase the awareness of you and your family about the genetics that we may be exploring in the PGP.
If you are interested in becoming a participant in the PGP, please register online and confirm your registration according the email instructions. Invitations to begin the enrollment process will be sent to registrants by email as soon as possible. This may take some time due to the high level of interest.
Updated: 4/21/2009