Human Genome Project launched: estimated cost of $13 billion (plan 15 years)
BLAST: fast sequence similarity searching tool introduced by S. Karlin and S.F. Altshul
EST: expressed sequence tag sequencing first described by Craig Venter and colleagues: a method for identifying active genes
The Institute for Genome Research (TIGR), associated with plans to exploit sequencing commercially through gene identification and drug discovery, was formed
Mel Simon introduced the use of BACs for cloning
The Sanger Centre, a genome research institute with the purpose to further the knowledge of genomes, was crated in Hinxton, UK
The EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute, the centre for research and service for bioinformatics was established in Hinxton, UK
The FlavrSavr Tomato becomes the first genetic modified food to be approved for sale. A gene expression the enzyme polygalacturonase, which is responsible for the tomato's softness, was introduced by Calgene
First completed sequence of a bacterial genome, Haemophilus influenzae by TIGR
Yeast and E. coli genome completely sequenced
The genome of Caenerhabditis elegans, a small soil nematode, was completely sequenced
Presentation of human genome by Celera Genomics and the collaborating group of laboratories supported by public foundation
Completion of the 2010 Project: the understanding the function of all genes within their cellular, organismal and evolutionary context of Arabidopsis thaliana