Fertility expert and BBC presenter Lord Robert Winston is to open an international conference exploring genetic breakthroughs and controversies, organised by Cardiff and Lancaster Universities.
Professor Winston, renowned for his award-winning BBC science programmes, will address the 4th International Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGen) conference held at The Royal Society, London (March 26 ?28).
He will join key thinkers and high profile scientists, including the keynote speakers, American scientific adviser, Gil Omenn and stem cell expert, Dame Julia Polak.
Professor Winston will reflect on the successes of new genetic technologies in promoting health and improving prosperity. However, he will caution against an over-optimistic view of the enhanced quality of life the new technology will bring.
Director of Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGen), Professor Ruth Chadwick, Cardiff University said: “I am delighted to showcase CESAGen’s work at this conference.
“Issues such as genetic screening or the diagnosis of genetic diseases are seldom far from the headlines. There is enormous investment in these new biotechnologies, and it is vital that we understand the social and economic impacts of this investment.”
The conference marks the successful completion of the first five years of CESAGen research addressing issues such as risk and responsibility in relation to genomics – the study of DNA. The Centre has already engaged with topical issues ranging from the rapid developments in UK embryonic stem cell research to the Korean cloning scandal.
The conference will also outline initiatives for the Centre’s next phase of research supported by nearly ?8Million of funding from The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to be undertaken at Cardiff and Lancaster University.
In collaboration with the publishers Routledge, CESAGen will also launch the ‘Genetics and Society’ book series during the conference.