Program Description

The Summer Genetics Institute (SGI) is a tuition-free one-month intensive research training program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Sponsored by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the SGI provides participants with a foundation in molecular genetics appropriate for use in research and clinical practice. The program seeks to increase the research capability among graduate students and faculty and to develop and expand clinical practice in genetics among clinicians. The SGI features lectures and hands-on laboratory training. Last year's class completed 50 lectures and 10 lab sessions. On completion of the program, participants receive eight hours of graduate-level college credit.

Nearly 450 SGI graduates are making a difference in communities across the country -- building programs of nursing research in genetics; disseminating the results of genetics-related research in peer-reviewed scientific publications and at scientific conferences; and integrating genetics content in nursing school curricula and practice.

SGI Program Objectives

Participants in the SGI will increase their knowledge of molecular genetics for use in research, teaching, and clinical practice. Specifically, they will be able to:

• Use molecular genetics methods in biobehavioral research in a laboratory setting
• Analyze strategies used for genomic-based therapies and describe trends in the molecular therapeutics
• Identify the strengths, weaknesses, and applications of genetic tests
• Examine the ethical and legal issues related to genetic testing and genetic counseling and their implications for practice and research