Understanding Race and Skin Color

About this grant

The African Genome Education Institute was established to conduct research on issues of race, ethnicity and genetics with the goal of exposing many of the myths and stereotypes surrounding them. In South Africa, differences in skin color were used to justify the system of apartheid. Promoting a public understanding of biology is, therefore, an important aspect of the education of the people of South Africa.Multiyear funding will enable the institute to disseminate findings of scientific research on skin color variation in South Africa. The goal of the project is to promote a broader understanding of skin color differences. Efforts will include hosting a conference, publishing two editions of the magazine "Our Genes"; publishing a book; preparing media products for radio and television; and conducting lectures.