Friday, April 25, 2003
Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business
UC Berkeley

See the speakers page for slides from some of the presentations.

On April 25, 1953, a short article in the journal Nature laid out theories regarding the double-helix structure of DNA. In doing so, it changed forever the way we look at our world.

Fifty years later, the Human Genome Project has completed the decoding of the human genome, the puzzle that is human DNA. Leaders in science and industry are poised to use this knowledge and its attendant technology in ways that have vast and deep societal implications. Yet there has been very little public discussion of how our new understanding of genomics can best serve the genuine public interest.

One of the most effective ways to shape humane and successful public policy for a new technology is for those directly involved in science and industry to develop their work in open communication with critical thinkers focused on the societal implications of this work. To bring the disparate parties of genomic research together productively requires from each a willingness to tolerate conflicting views and an openness to learning from the mistakes and limitations-as well as the successes-of genomic research and development.

The Center for Health Research recently held a one-day conference seeked to promote open and reflective communication among thinkers in science, industry, and bioethics. Our goal was to stimulate ongoing educational activities related to genomics in the academic and wider communities.

You are welcome to peruse our speakers' presentations and explore some of the genomics and DNA-related links we have gathered for you.

The GRSS Conference was sponsored by the Center for Health Research.

Co-sponsoring organizations: