42 U.S.C. § 285s — Purpose of Institute

(a) General purpose: The general purpose of the National Human Genome Research Institute is to figure out the structure and function of the human genome, including mapping and sequencing individual genes. This includes (1) planning and coordinating the genome project's research goals; (2) reviewing and funding research proposals; (3) building training programs; (4) coordinating international genome research; (5) telling the public about advances in genome science; and (6) reviewing and funding proposals that address the ethical and legal issues tied to the genome project, including legal issues about patents. (b) Research training: The Director may run and support research training that (1) doesn't already get fellowship support under section 288, and (2) is not residency training for physicians or other health professionals. (c) Amount available for ethical and legal issues: (1) Except as described in paragraph (2), the Director must set aside at least 5 percent of the money appropriated each year for subsection (a) to fund the work described in subsection (a)(6) — addressing ethical and legal issues. (2) That 5 percent requirement does not apply for a given fiscal year if the Director certifies to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources that not enough proposals about ethical issues met the requirements of sections 289 and 289a.