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The Genentech Center for the History of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology focuses on documenting the basic scientific research that underpinned the development of molecular biology and biotechnology. This research, carried out initially in academic laboratories, led to the development of recombinant DNA techniques, which in turn stimulated entrepreneurial scientists to create biotechnology companies.
The mission of the Genentech Center is to identify, acquire, preserve, promote, and provide centralized access to the original papers, correspondence, and research material materials of the individuals and institutions that were crucial to the development of molecular biology and biotechnology. The Center is also conducting oral history interviews. These materials are complemented with the images and voices of scientists who played a key role in the foundation of biotechnology.
