Huntsville, Ala – Leaders from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, a nonprofit research institute in Huntsville, Ala., were invited to present, “Genomics 101: Exploring the Basics,” on Capitol Hill Wednesday, June 27. The educational session was held at the Capitol Visitors Center, SVC 203-2.
Neil Lamb presenting “Genomics 101” to a crowded room on June 27
“It is more important than ever to enhance our understanding of genetics and genomics and the important role they can play as legislation is offered and debated in Congress,” said Sen. Doug Jones, who coordinated the Congressional briefing
Legislators and Congressional staffers heard Dr. Neil Lamb, vice president for Educational Outreach, discuss how genetic and genomic information is being utilized in medicine and agriculture to improve human health and secure food supplies.
“HudsonAlpha hosts a number of educational seminars for students, teachers, researchers, medical professionals and the public,” said Lamb, “and it was exciting to bring that outreach to legislators on a national stage.”
With new discoveries being made every day, “Genomics 101” is an opportunity to give an update on the latest advances and challenges in these fields.
“HudsonAlpha’s mission of Educational Outreach impacts students, educators and decision-makers across the country,” said Dr. Richard M. Myers, president and science director at HudsonAlpha. “We are truly grateful to Senator Richard Shelby and Senator Doug Jones for their interest and support for HudsonAlpha’s work in creating a more genomically-aware public.” 
Sen. Richard Shelby is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over genetics, genomics, agriculture and other topics discussed today at “Genomics 101”.
Sen. Doug Jones is an emerging leader on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
“We were honored for the opportunity to have a collaborative discussion about how genomics is improving human health and solving key challenges in agriculture,” Lamb added.
Check out the “Genomics 101” session live streamed today on the HudsonAlpha Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HudsonAlpha/.
About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Opened in 2008, HudsonAlpha’s vision is to leverage the synergy between discovery, education, medicine, and economic development in genomic sciences to improve the human condition around the globe. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha has become a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and includes more than 30 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.
Media Contact:
Margetta Thomas
mthomas@hudsonalpha.org
256-327-0425
