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The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003. One of the key research areas was ethical, legal, and social issues research (ELSI). This page has more information about research in this area.
Note: For more about
ethical, legal, and social issues arising from the new genetics, see our
ELSI page.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
devoted 3% to 5% of their annual Human Genome Program budgets toward studying
the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) surrounding availability of genetic
information. This represents the world's largest bioethics program. It has
become a model for ELSI programs around the world.
Human Genome Project ELSI
Rapid advances in the science of genetics and its applications have presented
new and complex ethical and policy issues for individuals and society.
ELSI programs that identify and address these implications have been an
integral part of the U.S. HGP since its inception. These programs have
resulted in a body of work that promotes education and helps guide the
conduct of genetic research and the development of related medical and
public policies.
A continuing challenge is to safeguard the privacy of individuals and groups
who contribute DNA samples for large-scale sequence-variation studies. Other
concerns have been to anticipate how the resulting data may affect concepts of race
and ethnicity; identify potential uses (or misuses) of genetic data in workplaces,
schools, and courts; identify commercial uses; and foresee impacts of genetic
advances on the concepts of humanity and personal responsibility.
ELSI Research Goals
-
Examine issues surrounding the completion of the human DNA sequence and
the study of human genetic variation.
-
Examine issues raised by the integration of genetic technologies and information
into health care and public health activities.
-
Examine issues raised by the integration of knowledge about genomics and
gene-environment interactions in non-clinical settings.
-
Explore how new genetic knowledge may interact with a variety of philosophical,
theological, and ethical perspectives.
-
Explore how racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors affect the use, understanding,
and interpretation of genetic information; the use of genetic services;
and the development of policy.
Text from "New Goals for the U.S. Human Genome Project: 1998-2003,"
Science 282: 682 - 689 (1998).
ELSI Research Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. DOE HGP Projects in Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
- Abstracts from DOE Human Genome Program Contractor-Grantee Workshops
- Abstracts from U.S. DOE Human Genome Program Reports
- Five Years of Progress in the Human Genome Project: Ethical,
Legal, and Social Implications (December 1995)
For information on obtaining a DOE ELSI research grant, contact Daniel
Drell, Ph.D.; U.S. Department Of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, Life Sciences
Division, SC-72; Germantown, MD 20874-1290; Phone: 301/903-6488, Fax: -8521.
Some Products of ELSI Research
- Retrospective of the DOE ELSI
Program (1990-2000): A history of the program. New specific ELSI
grants and their products (1990-2001). For a printer-friendly version
of these grants click
here.
- The New Genetics™: Medicine
and the Human Genome--a CD-ROM course for medical professionals
and students, policymakers, members of the public, and others interested
in the impact of genetics, and genomics on healthcare and society. Continuing
Medical Education credits available. Produced by Twisted Ladder Media.
- Challenges
of Genome Research for Minority Communities Conference Proceedings --proceedings
from the second in a series of conferences led by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
National Educational Foundation.
- Your Genes,
Your Choices: A booklet describing the Human Genome Project;
the science behind it; and the ethical, legal, and social issues raised
by the project. Also mirrored
on this site.
- DOE Primer on Molecular Genetics:
Covers the basic science of the program; also available as an Acrobat
(pdf) file. Visit Adobe
for free Acrobat Reader software.
- To Know
Ourselves: An overview of the underlying science of the Human
Genome Project; also available in Adobe Acrobat format.
- ELSI
Bibliography (list of publications prior to 1995).
- Evaluating Gene
Testing: A brief guide to current gene tests.
- Pathways and
Barriers to Genetic Testing and Screening. Molecular Genetics Meets the High-Risk
Family: A report from a study of families at risk for sickle cell
disease, cystic fibrosis, or thalassemia.
- Electronic Scholarly Publishing: Classic
Papers in Genetics
- Public Sector
Genetic Services in Florida and Georgia. Current Status and Potential Issues
Raised by the Human Genome Project: The effects of changing science
and technology on public sector genetic services, focusing on the organizational
structure and function of programs in two states (1996).
- NCHGR-DOE Guidance on Human
Subjects Issues in Large-Scale DNA Sequencing.
- The Task Force on Genetic Testing:
Promoting Safe and Effective Genetic Testing in the United States - Principles
and Recommendations (May 19, 1997).
- Documents from the Secretary's
Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing.
- Insurance Task Force (summary
1993).
- The Genetic Privacy Act
and Commentary.
- HUGO Statement on Patenting of
DNA Sequences (1995)
- The Einstein Institute for Science, Health
& the Courts
- Scientists needed to serve as expert witnesses. Contact Franklin Zweig
at einshac@intr.net or 301/280-5949, Fax: 503/212-9227
Related Articles from Human Genome News
NIH and Other Research
Other Pages on This Web Site
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