Cafe Sci: What is Genomic Medicine - and is it ethical?

Dr Brian Thomson; Director of Nottingham Health Science Biobank; Programme Leader for the 100,000 Genomes Project at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and is affiliated with the University of Nottingham.

Dr Rachel Harrison; Consultant Clinical Geneticist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Genomics is the study of all the hereditary information that makes up each individual i.e. what is present in their genes (DNA) and the use of those genes. Genomic medicine seeks to use this information to provide answers about the health of an individual, and to guide the best way to prevent, diagnose and treat illness. Genomic medicine and research will in due course transform the practice of medicine, but genes affect virtually all human characteristics and diseases, and this raises important and social concerns:
• The need to avoid possible discrimination by employers or health insurers
• The need for ethical standards for work with human research subjects or tissues
• How genomic information will impact on families, who may have inherited the same genes
• Consideration of social, cultural and religious perspectives on genetics and health
• Who owns your genetic information and who can access and use it
These issues will be discussed against the background of the Government 100,000 Genome Project, which has analysed 100,000 genomes from patients with rare diseases and cancer, and the forthcoming transition of the NHS to Genomic Medicine.

MEETING FORMAT: Our speaker talks, uninterrupted for 20 minutes, to introduce their topic. During a break to get drinks, the Hat goes round. Then there is an hour’s chaired question and answer session. Cafe Sci is funded by the Hat (no sponsors). We suggest a contribution £2 (waged or good pension) or £1 (unwaged). Full details here (https://www.meetup.com/nottingham-culture-cafe-sci/pages/about_-Cafe_Scientifique_et_Culturel%28Nottingham%29)