Social acceptance
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Genomics holds tremendous promise. Its influence is already being felt in critical areas, such as health, agrifood, forestry and the environment. However, genomics also raises passion and many issues: discrimination, genome editing, data access and confidentiality… All these issues matter to both the public and decision makers.
Make Genomics Work for Citizens, Industry and Society
Génome Québec is fully aware that the public has concerns about genomics. It’s only natural; genomics is a new technology that opens up unprecedented, often unfamiliar, prospects for the future. As an organization whose job it is to fund major scientific research, Génome Québec is committed to transparency on the risks, advantages, hopes and breakthroughs associated with genomics.
This is why a central part of Génome Québec’s mission is to make sure the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social aspects – also called GE3LS - are an integral part of the genomics research approach and work.
GE3LS research complements large-scale genomics projects by evaluating and assessing the implications and consequences of genomics for society. It helps build a bridge between science and society and lends a broader perspective to research projects. Ultimately, this leads to scientific outcomes that are more useful to society and better adapted to its needs.
To promote a better understanding and support decision making regarding the complex issues raised by genomics, Génome Québec asked experts to produce Policy Briefs on various subjects.
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Fewer toxic pesticides thanks to Genomics How can we make sure we produce the food we need without compromising the environment or human health? With its sophisticated tools, genomics science holds part of the answer to this question, since it can help reduce the use of pesticides. |
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Improving the safety of our food Given the growth in international trade, it has now become more important than ever to ensure that food travelling across borders is safe for human health and, in cases of contamination, easily traceable along the supply chain. |
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Genetic Discrimination: Myth or Reality? Genetic information gives us knowledge about a person’s current or future state of health. Should we worry about this information being accessed by potential employers or by insurance companies? Does genetic discrimination actually exist? Are their laws to protect us from it? |
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Human Genome EditingThe idea to modify parts of the genome to correct mutations is medicine's long-standing dream. The recent advent of tools, like the CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme, opens the way to highly targeted, quick gene modifications, with a high success rate - and at a low cost. But the possibility of being able to modify the genome raises a lot of concerns. |
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Data Access and SharingGenomics research generates large, rich datasets from a large number of participants. The collection, analysis, use and sharing of data for genomics research promises major breakthroughs in health research, more specifically in personalized medicine and population-based studies. How to find a balance between protecting the privacy of participants and facilitating innovative research? To learn more |
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