Frome Debates: Your genes, your say?

The inaugural event by Frome Debates is entitled ‘Your genes, your say?’. It will be a Question Time type of debate Chaired by Pippa Goldfinger (Frome Town Counsellor). Speakers include Dr Peter Lund, former Clinical Geneticist, University of Bristol, Dr Ruth Massey, University of Bath, Rev Dr Brendan McCarthy, Church of England National Adviser for Medical Ethics and Mr David Nicholson, Managing Director DNA Worldwide Group.
A genome is an entire set of DNA; all the instructions for making every part of a living thing. Research into our genomes could improve our understanding of diseases, cancers and passing on certain traits. This research is called genomic medicine.
Genomic medicine is evolving quickly, and data is being collected on a group of patients with rare diseases and cancers across the UK. There’s large potential for the technology to help us create new treatments and preventative approaches.
Someone’s genome can explain lots of things about them, and we don’t yet understand all of what the genetic code means. This information therefore needs to be collected and stored securely, interpreted by experts and viewed in a way that protects the donor’s identity. There have been discussions among scientists about the implications of genomic medicine for privacy and the NHS, and the British Science Association believes that it is vital to open that conversation up to the public.
So, what are the implications of genomics for the average person? How can these data be used? How should these data be used?
Future Debates events are part of the British Science Association’s work to make science a fundamental part of British society and culture. We want to empower many more people – not just scientists – to constructively engage in debates over the applications and implications of science in their lives, their local economy and the UK’s future.
Doors open from 6.30pm , with the debate to run from 7pm until 9pm. This event is suitable for 16+.
Follow us on twitter @Frome_Debates and use the event hashtag #FutureDebates

Collated, anonymised data from the Future Debates series will be provided to the Chief Medical Officer for the purpose of informing policy about Genome Data Privacy. The event will not be recorded, nor will any individual be identifiable in any of this information.

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