The human genome consists of 3 billion base pairs, where the sequence – the sequence – determines the function of each individual's genes. The first publication, in which the sequence of these base pairs in the human genome was described, was published in the year 2000. It was the result of a great deal of international cooperation that had spread over more than 10 years and cost more than 3.8 billion dollars. Since then, the development has been strong and in 2012 a human genome will be able to be sequenced in one day at a price below 1000 dollars. This development creates completely new opportunities both for basic scientific development projects as well as for clinical projects aiming at more targeted and individual treatment and prevention. Central to these opportunities is large investments in modern appliances and computing power. By virtue of effective and comprehensive cooperation with the world's largest institute for genomics, the Beijing genomic Institute, today known as BGI-Shenzhen with a newly created Danish department, Denmark has gained a unique opportunity to play in the International genomics, where the unique Danish record system and the national registration, together with the large capacity of BGI, are opening up new opportunities. This development and these new opportunities as well as ethical issues will be described in this lecture