Hereditary Research Laboratory – Message from Director

Message from Director

The Hereditary Research Lab (HRL) activity and infrastructure constitute a major effort in building a national Genome Strategic Resource Laboratory for genome methodologies – DNA sequencing, the detection of DNA variations (mutations, polymorphisms, and chromosomal breakpoints), and computational genomics. This facility is currently provided genome-related practical know-how, as well as computing-intensive tools with regards to DNA sequence and variation analyses.  Such strategic resource is essential for the future ability to benefit from the outcome of the world-wide Human Genome Projects (Hap map, 1000 Human Genome…etc). It is supporting new biotechnology enterprises in the areas of diagnostics, agriculture, combating genetic diseases, genetic counseling and training. The HRL has identified exactly the components of current genomics technology that can be directly transferred, will be of practical application to medical and public health research in Palestine, and that will enable students, physicians, public health workers, and researchers to obtain up-to-date training in these disciplines in one hand and to research work in Palestine on the other. The HRL reflects our conviction that the genetics of human populations present both the greatest challenge and the great opportunity for genetics in the future. We also believe that genetics of a people are most appropriately addressed by scientists who live in the same places as those people. Clearly, this requires specialized training and sustainable transfer of technology.