Our Impact

students learning from scientists in auditorium.

GEM is advancing understanding of the genome, microbiome and their interaction with the environment. Advances in genomics, including research on the microbiome—sometimes referred to as our second genome—and the interplay of the environment promise significant changes in health care and medicine, as well as our collective sense of what it means to "be human." Genomic medicine will impact the lives of all Americans in the coming years. Genomic literacy is truly a fundamental life skill for the 21st century. GEM engages and educates all members of our community, including health care providers, educators and the general public.