Core values

- **Comprehensive Data and Research**: The HMP has generated extensive datasets, including the sequencing of ~3000 reference bacterial genomes, comprehensive profiles of the microbiome from healthy humans, and integrated datasets of multiple biological properties. These resources are crucial for understanding human health and disease[2][3].
- **Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications**: The project has a dedicated component to study the ethical, legal, and social implications of human microbiome research. This includes issues such as informed consent, privacy, and the societal impact of new technologies and products arising from the research[1][4].
- **Improvement in Health and Disease Understanding**: The HMP has significantly advanced our understanding of the microbiome's role in health and disease, including studies on preterm birth, inflammatory bowel disease, and prediabetes. This knowledge can lead to better clinical applications and public health interventions[2][3].
- **Public Health and Individual Well-being**: The project's findings can inform public health policies and individual health practices, such as the use of probiotics, diet recommendations, and the cautious use of antibiotics to avoid negative impacts on the microbiome[5].