Frederick’s research setting
The National Cancer Institute established its Frederick campus in 1971. The Laboratory of Genomic Diversity later worked there, connecting comparative genomics, human disease research, and studies of wildlife. NCI Frederick history ↗
From genomes to conservation
Stephen J. O’Brien and colleagues studied genetic variation in threatened mammals including cheetahs, lions, and Florida panthers. A 1994 paper explained how molecular population genetics could contribute to conservation decisions. Later work at the laboratory helped build genomic resources for the cat family. O’Brien 1994 ↗ · O’Brien and colleagues 2008 ↗
The connection to ConGen
O’Brien founded Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics in 1996. The course brought researchers together to share the tools and reasoning that were changing the field. Its return to Frederick in 2027 recalls this scientific lineage, while the course itself will meet at Hood College.
This page describes historical research in Frederick. It does not identify the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity or NCI Frederick as a host or sponsor of ConGen 2027.