ESRC Genomics Forum collaboration helps to win award
Released: 20 February 2009
The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) Citizens’ Inquiry into the forensic use of genetic information and the National DNA Database has been recognised by the award for ‘most engaged policy maker’. The Inquiry, commissioned by the HGC in collaboration with ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum (link to our original press release? http://www.genomicsnetwork.ac.uk/forum/news/mediaroom-pressreleases/title,100,en.html) and other partners, developed a new approach to encouraging members of the public to have their say about the pros and cons of forensic databases and the retention of genetic information in the UK. Professor Steven Yearley, Director of the Genomics Forum, congratulated the HGC on this timely and well deserved award. "It is vital that public voices are listened to carefully in the complex social and ethical debates that surround our growing understanding of the human genome. The HGC offered a truly innovative way for the UK public to comment on issues around DNA 'fingerprints'".Contact name:
Professor Steve Yearley - 0131 651 4747
Note to Editors:Notes The HGC Citizens’ Inquiry into the forensic use of genetic information and the National DNA Database was run in 2008 and was overseen by the HGC, the ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum and the Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Centre (PEALS), with substantial funding from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills’ Sciencewise Programme and the Wellcome Trust . It was facilitated by independent public dialogue experts Vis-à-vis RC Ltd. The award was presented to the HGC’s new Chair, Professor Jonathan Montgomery, at the Sciencewise-ERC annual conference and awards ceremony on 18th February. The Sciencewise-ERC awards are given to recognise excellence in dialogue over the last year. The awards were judged by the Sciencewise-ERC Steering Group, chaired by Professor Kathy Sykes, Collier Chair in the Public Understanding of Science and Technology at the University of Bristol. More information about the Citizens’ Inquiry can be found here (http://www.hgc.gov.uk/Client/Content.asp?ContentId=755).
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