National DNA Day is a holiday celebrated in United States on April 25. It commemorates the day in 1953 when James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Williams, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of DNA. Furthermore, on the same day in 2003 it was declared that the Human Genome Project was very close to complete, and "the remaining tiny gaps were considered too costly to fill.
In the United States, DNA Day was first celebrated on April 25, 2003, by proclamation of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, they only declared a one-time celebration, not an annual holiday. Every year from 2003 onwards, annual DNA Day celebrations have been organized by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), starting as early as April 23 in 2010, April 15 in 2011 and April 20 in 2012. April 25 has since been declared "International DNA Day" and "World DNA Day" by several groups.
Congress approved the first National DNA Day in April 2003 to celebrate both the completion of the Human Genome Project and the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health sponsors National DNA Day.
National DNA Day is the perfect time to share what you know about DNA and learn more. Visit the National DNA Day website to find resources for teachers, students, and anyone else who wants to improve their understanding of DNA, genetics, and genomics. The website also has information for experts in genetics and genomics who are interested in outreach to schools and other places in their community. Read more about how you can participate in National DNA Day.
National DNA day External offers the chance for teachers, students, and the public to learn more about genetics and genomics through activities and resources that include
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