The HGP was developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and began in 1990 to sequence the human genome.

In 1993, NCHGR expanded its role on the NIH campus by establishing the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) to apply genome technologies to the study of specific diseases.

The institute announced the successful sequencing of the human genome in April 2003, but there were still gaps remaining until the release of T2T-CHM13 by the Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium.

This program's current priorities focus on the ethical applications of genomics to as it applies to communities, families, and individuals in areas such as healthcare, research, defense, intellectual property, regulation, policy, and larger social issues.

CEER centers have a common focus on the ethical, social, and legal implications resulting from the advances in genomic research.