The Human Genome Project as a Singular Episode in the History of Genomics

In this paper, we progressively de-center the Human Genome Project (HGP) in history of genomics and human genomics. We show that HGP, understood as an international effort to make reference genome sequence publicly available, constitutes a specific model genomics: prominent influential but nevertheless distinct from others preceded, existed alongside, succeeded it. Our analysis comprehensive corpus publications describing DNA sequences submitted public databases 1985 2005 reveals plethora authoring institutions, with only few contributing HGP. Examining these co-authorship network enables us propose two different sequencing approaches—horizontal vertical sequencing—whose changing dynamics shaped argue investigating extent which institutions combined approaches or prioritized one them captures better than using categories large-scale production use, much scholarly literature concerning HGP has done. Sequence use became fully within model, especially during last stages endeavor. By exploring collaboration between Celera Genomics, institution, medical genetics laboratories, potential our its for historical research. study connects historiographies indicates so-called translational gap data clinical outcomes may reflect assumption was substantially prior parallel This essay is part special issue entitled The Sequences Sequencers: A New Approach Investigating Emergence Yeast, Human, Pig edited by Miguel García-Sancho James Lowe.