The "PCR Forum" website operates on two different levels. The paper for the panel will discuss the evolution and outcome of these two dimensions.

First, we have developed an interactive forum, opened to the public, although aimed primarily at the practicing molecular biology community. The forum is divided into two parts "Rehash the Past" and "Invent a Future." Its aim is to both gather reflections and insights about the emergence of PCR at Cetus Corporation during the mid-1980s as well as to permit scientists to evaluate current developments in the technology and/or speculate about future breakthroughs and their implications. Our paper will evaluate the first six months of this interactivity.

Second, Roche Molecular Systems in Alameda, CA has been the 'home' of PCR diagnostic technology since 1991 when Hoffmann La Roche obtained the rights to PCR from Cetus Corp. Leading Roche Molecular Systems scientists (Thomas White, John Sninsky, David Gelfand and others) have agreed to post their public talks about PCR on our site. This is an experiment in using the web to circulate such talks to an expanded audience and to develop a forum for responding to these state of the art evaluations of this technology. We will report results and evaluate them.