The history of Genomics in Santa Cruz started back in 1985. Robert Sinsheimer, then UCSC Chancellor, proposed a colossal undertaking: sequencing the human genome - the complete set of human genetic information made up of DNA sequences. In 2000, the UCSC genomics research team achieved that goal, and two weeks later launched a genome server that allows scientists and researchers around the world to access and download the sequence. Local rock stars of genomics emerged from this project including: distinguished professor of biomolecular engineering, David Haussler, and his then molecular biology graduate student, Jim Kent. In 2009, the Genome 10k Project was launched and international collaborators worked to sequence 10,000 different vertebrate species.

As if all of this wasn’t enough. UCSC then set their sights on the next big challenge: Cancer. Knowledge of the human genetic makeup is being used to better understand and fight the gene mutations that cause cancer. With this information doctors are able to develop more effective treatment plans for their patients. In 2014, the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute was founded and today, it's project categories include: Genomics and Health, Conservation Genomics, Technology Development, and Browsers.