Department of Human Genetics
Community Advocacy Group

"Society for the Advancement of Genetic Exploration" (SAGE):
Ambassadors to the community and advocates of human genetics who make a difference in genetics research at the University of Utah.

History of SAGE:
If you watch television or read newspapers and magazines, you are beginning to understand the importance of genetics in our daily lives. Through genetic research, incredible possibilities exist for new discoveries in medicine. Genetic research affects our legal system, social policies, and our personal choices about medical care, life style and reproductive decisions.

The results of the Human Genome Project raise important questions. How will people be informed about the dramatic changes in biology and genetics? How will we make sense of all this information? Is the science reported in the public media real or "science fiction?" What will the information mean for scientists who are on the edge of discovery? What does it mean to you and me, our legal system and our society? What will it mean to our children and their children?

Some people find these questions irresistible and want to learn more about genetic discovery. This led the Department of Human Genetics to build an advocacy group called "Society for the Advancement of Genetic Exploration" (SAGE). In order for genetic research at the University of Utah to remain strong, it is important for people to understand the role human genetics plays in developing a knowledge base and technology that will feed all other areas of research and medicine.

Members:
SAGE members interact with genetic scientists and provide a strong conduit to the community and to educational and financial resources. Members are considered ambassadors to their communities and advocates of human genetics research at Eccles Institute of Human Genetics. Members believe it is key that they understand the importance of genetic research and the clinical implications it has for the future of medicine. Their primary goal is to be educated about genetics so that they can educate others. The Department of Human Genetics needs the assistance of community members to support the interests of its scientists.

Meetings:
The SAGE group meets quarterly at Eccles Institute of Human Genetics for a scientific presentation and dinner. The summer meeting is held in the afternoon and includes laboratory tours and hands-on activities with scientists and graduate students.

Organization:
The SAGE Executive Committee coordinates the quarterly meetings and programs:

Chairwoman
Carol M. Fay, University of Utah Honorary Alumna and Founding Member of SAGE

Program Advisors
Mark F. Leppert, Co-Chairman of the Department of Human Genetics
Raymond F. Gesteland, University of Utah Vice President for Research, Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics
Dorothy S. Dart, Past Communications Director for the Dept. of Human Genetics

Meeting Coordinator
Toni Adkins, Exec. Asst. for the Department of Human Genetics