Agenda-Setting in the Human Genome Initiative: A Study of the Construction of a Technological System

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The initiative to map and sequence the human genome is entering a critical period. For the next five years, the organizational structures for accomplishing its goal of obtaining the complete sequence by the year 2005. The choices made in the early 1990's will define the basic outline of the technological system for mapping and sequencing the human genome. This period is thus a strategic research opportunity of exceptional importance for understanding the evolution of the genome project, with a more general significance for sociology and history of science and technology. Dr. Hilgartner is undertaking a study of how the agenda for research, for organizational design, and for policy of the genomics community takes shape during this critical period. The system/network approach to technology, and the concept of agenda-setting, provide a theoretical framework. The research will use a prospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of key informants from the community, in-depth interviewing, and participant observation in carefully selected laboratories.