Successes

Duke Center for Human Genetics Logo

This logo communicates our identity as an international leader in human genetics and genomics. It establishes a strong graphical presence and communicates the Center’s identity and presence through a clear, visually appealing image. This logo tells our story.

Text — The size and orientation of the words in the logo intentionally emphasize Duke and Human Genetics, the two fundamental elements of our identity.

Shield — The outline of the logo echoes both the Duke University shield and the Duke University Medical Center logo (see below). The split down the middle of the shield and the two colors on opposite sides mirror the dual-sided Medical Center logo, which emphasizes the Center’s primary institutional relationship.

Helix — The white ribbon spiraling around a central pole is a clear but artistic representation of the DNA double helix.

Human Form — The logo evokes a person with outspread arms. This highlights the human component of the Center’s work and welcomes the viewer into the logo—and by extension into the Center. The human element emphasizes the Center’s position as a leader in patient-oriented applications of genetics research. The outstretched arms and upward motion of the figure may also symbolize an angel of mercy, highlighting the caring and human nature of our science.

Caduceus — The logo’s central pole, twisting helix, and outstretched “wings” suggest the shape of the caduceus, the traditional emblem of the medical profession. The echo of the caduceus underscores the Center’s orientation to medical genetics and our pioneering work in genomic medicine.

Mortar and Pestle — The logo also resembles the mortar and pestle, indicating pharmacogenetics and further emphasizing the medical side of our work.

The tapering pole and upward spiral of the helix rising through the gentle slant of the entire figure give the logo a dynamic energy expressing progressive thought, innovation and rapid movement toward the future of science and medicine.