External links on genomics
Africa Genome Initiative
A partnership between the Human Sciences Research Council, the Academy of Science of South Africa and the Spier Institute, this Initiative aims to help make Africa a full partner in the new biological era by researching, assessing and monitoring the developments in the field of genomics and their implications.
Genetics and Public Policy
The Genetics and Public Policy Center has been established to be an independent and objective source of credible information on genetic technologies and genetic policies for the public, media and policymakers. The Center, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, is a part of The Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute at Johns Hopkins University. The goal of the Center is to create the environment and tools needed by key decision makers in both the private and public sectors to carefully consider and respond to the challenges and opportunities that arise from scientific advances in genetics.
GenomeBiology.com
Genome Biology serves the biological research community as an international forum, both in print and on the web, for the dissemination, discussion and critical review of information about all areas of biology informed by genomic research. Key objectives are to provide a guide to the rapidly developing resources and technology in genomics and its impact on biological research, to publish large datasets and extensive results that are not readily accommodated in traditional journals, and to help establish new standards and nomenclature for post-genomic biology.
Joint Centre for Bioethics
The University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics (JCB) is a partnership between the University of Toronto and affiliated hospitals. The JCB studies important ethical, health-related topics through research and clinical activities. The JCB is a network of over 160 multidisciplinary professionals seeking to improve health care standards at both national and international levels.
- More information
- Article: Biotechnology and the UN's Millennium Development Goals (2004)
- Report: Top Ten Biotechnologies for Improving Health in Developing Countries (2002) [85KB.pdf]
National Human Genome Research Institute
The National Human Genome Research Institute led the Human Genome Project for the National Institutes of Health. This institute supports genetic and genomic research, investigation into the ethical, legal and social implications surrounding genetics research, and educational outreach activities in genetics and genomics.
Nature: Genome Gateway
This special section of the Genome Gateway presented by Nature marks the publication of the initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome. It provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge, in three sections: A) The News and Views articles provide the context, communicate the excitement, and present a critical evaluation of the papers. B)The Analysis section delves into the opportunities offered to biologists by the genome and explores the approaches and tools needed to exploit these opportunities. C)The Research section comprises a set of papers that, for the most part, report the findings of the international consortia of scientists that make up the Human Genome Project. More than 2,500 authors from 20 laboratories contributed to these papers.
Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
This site provides information about human genomic discoveries and how they can be used to improve health and prevent disease. It also includes an insight into CDC public health activities that integrate human genetics into disease prevention efforts.
SciDev.net: Genomics Quick Guide
The Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) Genomics Quick Guide aims to provide comprehensive information and resources needed to keep up to date with developments within genomics that have major implications for the developing world.
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics (WTCHG) was established in 1994 to undertake research into the genetic basis of common diseases. Since June 2000 the Centre has been located in the Henry Wellcome Building of Genomic Medicine, University of Oxford. The scientific objective of the Centre is to explore all aspects of the genetic susceptibility of disease including the localisation of genes involved in common diseases, characterisation of the variants responsible for susceptibility, the understanding of how these DNA variants may contribute to risk of disease in the population and finally, how such genetic factors contribute biologically to a disease process. This site also includes links to the Sanger Institute, also funded by the Wellcome Trust, to further the knowledge of genomes particularly through large scale sequencing and analysis.
Public Health Genetics Unit
- To keep abreast of developments in molecular and clinical genetics, and in their ethical, legal, social and public health implications.
- To provide a link between academic research, clinical practice and the development of policy within the NHS for genetics and genetic services, including the implications for the funding, development, staffing, organisation and provision of those services.
- To establish mechanisms for dialogue within the NHS between geneticsts, physicians, public health and primary care professionals on matters related to genetics, molecular medicine and genetic services.
- To provide an epidemiological and public health perspective on NHS policy development for genetic and related services, including criteria for evaluating genetic testing and genetic screening programmes.