ESRC Genomics Network celebrates Festival of Social Science
Released: 06 March 2009
The EGN’s events are an opportunity to explore some of genomic’s social, ethical and political issues with academic experts, policy makers and scientists, and find out about some of the UK’s most interesting social science research in this area.
Our events this year ask whether our increased knowledge of the genetic causes of psychiatric disorders will be a source of understanding or stigmatisation, help GCSE students explore the issues surrounding embryo research, discuss whether public consultation influenced policy makers’ decisions in devising the 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryo Act and consider how medicines are made and how this process could change in the future.
Everyone - from politicians to schoolchildren - can take part in the free ESRC Genomics Network events. Further information is provided below.
Future of Medicine: Genetic Knowledge and Mental Illness - 10 March 2009, Bridgend College, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan (organised by Cesagen)This workshop provides young people with knowledge about developments in psychiatric genetics and their social implications. Psychiatric disorders are stigmatising. Young people will debate the social and ethical implications of the increased knowledge of the genetic causes of psychiatric disorders; will this be a source of understanding or stigmatization?
For further details please contact Flo Ticehurst, Cesagen Communications Officer, on 029 2087 5846 or ticehurstf@cf.ac.uk
Future of Medicine: Innovation from Bench to Bedside - 10 March 2009, St Joseph’s College in Dumfries (organised by Innogen)
This workshop will explore what makes a substance or a process a prescription medicine and investigate how medicines are developed from bench to bedside. But how long does it take? How much will it cost? Who will pay for it? Who will be treated? And who decides if it’s safe?
For further details: Contact Lara Crossland, Innogen Communications & Networking Officer, on 0131 650 2842 or lara.crossland@ed.ac.uk
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act: a retrospective - 12 March 2009, One Great George Street, Westminster (organised by ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum)
Five months on from the passage of the sometimes controversial Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, and with contributions from leading figures in the worlds of science, policy, ethics and the media, this 'retrospective' conference will examine the nature of the public debate leading up to the Act, and how this debate influenced the policy-making process. Speakers include: Phil Willis MP, Dr Stephen Minger, King's College London, Fiona Fox, Science Media Centre, Dr Katy Berry, Department of Health.
For further details, please contact: Dr Christine Knight, ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum on 0131 651 4743 or email christine.knight@ed.ac.uk
Future of Medicine: Is Embryo Research the Limit? - 12 March 2009, St Peter's School in Exeter (organised by Egenis)Further details: Contact Claire Packman, Egenis Communications Officer, on 01392 269126 or c.h.packman@ex.ac.uk
Ends
Contact name: Emma-Elizabeth Capewell, 0131 651 4746
Note to Editors:
1. The ESRC Genomics Network (EGN) is a major investment by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), dedicated to examining the development and use of the science and technologies of genomics. The activities of the EGN span the whole field of genomics, covering areas as diverse as plant and animal genetics, embryonic stem cell research, and associated health applications. The EGN spans five of the UK's leading universities, and involves over a hundred researchers, from professors to PhD students, as well as an international cast of visiting research fellows. It is one of the largest social science investments in the ESRC's current portfolio, and is growing into the largest concentration of social scientific research on genomics in the world.
2. The Festival of Social Science is run by the Economic and Social Research Council to celebrate some of the country's leading social science research, giving an exciting opportunity to show everyone what the UK's social scientists are doing and demonstrating how their work makes a difference to all our lives. www.esrcfestival.ac.uk
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