25th anniversary of the Human Genome Project

On 10th February, the 25th anniversary of the Human Genome Project was commemorated at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities in Madrid, Spain. The event was organised by CNAG, EASIGEN-DS and the Ministry. 

Representatives from the Ministry, including the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, Dr. Juan Cruz Cigudosa, and the Secretary General for Research, Dr. Eva Ortega-Paino, highlighted CNAG’s strategic role in advancing personalised and precision medicine in Spain. 

A roundtable discussion, moderated by CNAG Director Dr. Ivo Gut, brought together prominent figures in the Spanish genomics community: Dr. Roderic Guigó (Centre for Genomic Regulation), Dr. Encarna Guillén‑Navarro (Barcelona Children’s Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and President of the Spanish Association of Human Genetics), Dr. Fátima Al‑Shahrour (Spanish National Cancer Research Centre), and Dr. Tomàs Marquès‑Bonet (Universitat Pompeu Fabra). Their discussion reflected on the evolution of genomics over the past quarter‑century and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Several key themes emerged from the debate, including the need to strengthen equity and professionalisation across genomics‑related healthcare services, and to improve the management and interoperability of sequencing data. Participants emphasised that clinicians and researchers require more agile integration between genomic information and broader clinical records. The experts also reaffirmed that advancing open science practices, such as data sharing, significantly enhances both research outcomes and clinical impact.

The event concluded by recognising the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most transformative achievements in modern medicine. Speakers noted that future progress will depend not only on deepening our understanding of the human genome, but also on expanding genomic research to other species and ecosystems. This broader perspective is essential for understanding human evolution, health, and the biological systems that shape our shared future.

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