Why did James Watson ask the US Congress for $3 billion?
The correct answer and explanation is :
James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, asked the U.S. Congress for $3 billion in the late 1980s to fund the Human Genome Project (HGP). The project aimed to map and sequence the entire human genome, identifying all the genes in human DNA and determining their functions.
Why Watson Requested $3 Billion
Watson, a prominent geneticist and advocate for genomic research, was appointed as the first director of the Human Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He believed that mapping the human genome would revolutionize medicine, biology, and our understanding of genetic diseases. The $3 billion request was based on the estimated cost required to complete the project over 15 years (1990-2005). The project sought to:
- Identify and map all human genes to better understand genetic disorders.
- Enhance medical research by improving diagnosis and treatment.
- Advance biotechnology and personalized medicine.
- Improve forensic science and evolutionary biology.
- Lay the groundwork for future genomic technologies.
Impact and Outcome
Despite skepticism, the Human Genome Project was approved and officially launched in 1990, jointly funded by the NIH and the U.S. Department of Energy. The project was completed ahead of schedule in 2003, revealing the entire human genetic code. It led to breakthroughs in gene therapy, cancer research, and precision medicine.
Watson’s vision for genomics has since transformed science and medicine, proving that his request for $3 billion was an investment with enormous returns for human health and scientific advancement.