An international policy and research forum to help further our understanding of the use of genomics related science and technologies - from genetic testing to DNA fingerprinting, from plant and animal breeding to development of new drugs and therapies - has been launched at The University of Edinburgh.
Led by Professor Michael Banner and based at the University of Edinburgh, the Forum is part of a £12 million investment into genomics research by the ESRC.
Professor Ian Diamond, the ESRC’s Chief Executive formally launched the organisation alongside Tam Dalyell, Rector of the University of Edinburgh; Professor Vicki Bruce, Vice-Principal of the University of Edinburgh; and Professor Ian Wilmut, from the Research Institute for Medical Cell Biology.
“The mapping of the human genome has been hailed as a scientific step forward of vast significance, promising new power to understand and shape ourselves and the world in which we live,” explained Professor Michael Banner, the Forum’s Director.
“The application of scientific advances poses many and difficult social questions and the social sciences have a vital contribution to make in enabling us to choose a future in which human well being will itself be enhanced.”
Professor Vicki Bruce, Vice-Principal of the University of Edinburgh, said, “The University of Edinburgh is delighted to be acting as host institution to the Forum, which will facilitate dialogue and debate between social scientists, medical and natural scientists within and beyond the institution.”
Professor Ian Wilmut, added, “It is very important than an organisation such as this forum is available for informed open discussions of issues raised by new biotechnology. Information from the human genome project creates many new important opportunities in human medicine but raises extremely sensitive issues about the use of information gained about the genetic inheritance of a particular individual. I therefore welcome this forum and wish it well.”
