42 U.S.C. § 285s Purpose of Institute
(a) General purposeThe general purpose of the National Human Genome Research Institute (in this subpart referred to as the “Institute”) is to characterize the structure and function of the human genome, including the mapping and sequencing of individual genes. Such purpose includes—(1) planning and coordinating the research goal of the genome project; (2) reviewing and funding research proposals; (3) developing training programs; (4) coordinating international genome research; (5) communicating advances in genome science to the public; and (6) reviewing and funding proposals to address the ethical and legal issues associated with the genome project (including legal issues regarding patents).
(b) Research trainingThe Director of the Institute may conduct and support research training—(1) for which fellowship support is not provided under section 288 of this title; and (2) that is not residency training of physicians or other health professionals.
(c) Amount available for ethical and legal issues(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), of the amounts appropriated to carry out subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Director of the Institute shall make available not less than 5 percent for carrying out paragraph (6) of such subsection. (2) With respect to providing funds under subsection (a)(6) for proposals to address the ethical issues associated with the genome project, paragraph (1) shall not apply for a fiscal year if the Director of the Institute certifies to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, that the Director has determined that an insufficient number of such proposals meet the applicable requirements of sections 289 and 289a of this title.