Electronic Scholarly Publishing: Foundations of Genetics

As the Human Genome Project (HGP) moves toward its successful completion, an increasing number of individuals are becoming interested in understanding this project and its results. Since the HGP has potentially significant ethical, legal, and social implications for all citizens, the number of individuals who do, or should wish to become familiar with the project is very high. In addition to its importance in the training of professional geneticists, the HGP is of special relevance for undergraduate training in basic biology, and even for high-school and other K-12 education. Understanding the results of HGP research requires a familiarity with the notions of basic genetics. We propose to create an educational resource at which classic literature, establishing the foundations of modern genetics, will be republished in readily available, typeset-quality electronic form. Making the results of genome research widely available and accessible (both intellectually and physically) is a key goal of the ELSI component of the Human Genome Project. By providing interested parties worldwide with ready access to the intellectual foundations of genetics, the proposed electronic-publishing project will greatly facilitate the achievement of that goal. Preliminary results from a demonstration project have established the feasibility of such a project and have offered some indications of great need and demand for such a project. In addition to publishing original literature, we will also provide a variety of tools to facilitate access and use of our publications. Our site will be designed to function in a federated information infrastructure and we will actively support the work of third-party, value-adding developers. In 1900, genetics was just beginning as scientific discipline. As 2000 approaches, the Human Genome Project promises to deliver molecular-level information detailing our genetic heritage. Now, the early results of the HGP hold out great promise in areas from agriculture to biotechnology to medicine and beyond. As the HGP runs to completion, its effects will spread throughout society, stirring increasing interest among informed citizens. Understanding the significance of the HGP in part depends upon a basic understanding of genetic principles. This project will help bring that understanding to a wide audience.