Concentrating research. GEN-AU concentrates and organises the research of genomes of humans, plants, animals and microorganisms. The programme, however, not only focuses on the structure and functions of genes but also on socially relevant consequences of development.

Big GEN-AU family. At the moment GEN-AU II is working with eight joint projects, four networks, eight pilot projects, three ELSA projects and five transnational projects. Overall, up to 2007, there will be around 160 young scientists in mainly interdisciplinary teams working on the genetic basis of cancer, infectious diseases, the regulation of metabolism processes, the ageing of cells or how plants adapt to changing conditions in the environment.
With the help of bioinformatics, they are analysing genetic data, working with proteins and molecular switches and on improving medical therapies. The scientists are also carefully examining the mutual influence of science and public.