Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Genomics April 30, 2008

Translating ELSI:
Ethical, Legal and Social Impleciatoins of Genomics 2008

On May 1-3, the world of research on the ethical, legal and social implications of genomic science and technology gather together at one of the first major ELSI conferences in nearly a decade.



The conference offers three days of intensive programming – almost 30 sessions encompassing more than 90 presentations. Topics will focus on research, clinical and societal components of ELSI. In addition, leading experts will forecast the future of ELSI, identify potential missing components in the areas of study and more.

The schedule is designed to give participants the chance not only to learn and discuss in conference sessions, but to interact in more informal settings, including an evening reception on Thursday, May 1.

Who should attend? You. The conference is designed especially for NIH/DOE ELSI grantees, other U.S. ELSI scholars, international ELSI researchers, ELSI trainees, genome scientists, clinical geneticists, policy-makers, and public stakeholders.
Register today to ensure your spot at the conference and pay only $150—a $50 early bird savings.

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Pre-conference workshop:
Grantsmanship: From Preproposal to Notice of Grant Award -- and Beyond

Thursday morning May 1 from 9am to 11:30 (Regular conference activities begin at 1pm)

This informal interactive session will focus on the ins and outs of writing a successful ELSI grant application --from the preproposal consultation to the issuance of the Notice of Grant Award. Special attention will be given to the importance of ensuring the participation of diverse communities in the planning and implementation of ELSI research.

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“Art and Science Share the Stage: Ferocious Beauty: Genome”

8 – 10 p.m. Friday

Severance Room
(Advance on-site registration required***)

Choreographer Liz Lerman discusses and shows excerpts from her highly acclaimed performance project, Ferocious Beauty: Genome. From folk tales to scientists as choreographers, the piece takes an unconventional look at the nature of the genome and its impact.
Lerman asks tough questions about the ethical, legal and social implications of genomics: why do we want to live so long? If we have the capacity to select what we want in our genes, what will happen to diversity? If perfection is possible, who decides what it is?
Physician-geneticist Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, says of Ferocious Beauty: Genome, “It draws you in, it's an experience. Science is seen by many people as impenetrable because it's full of jargon and it's hard to understand what people are talking about. This is so accessible, yet it's so mysterious, in a way that science can be as well.”

***Limited reservations available for this presentation. ELSI participants may register as space permits. Sign up at the registration desk at the Renaissance Hotel during the conference. The event is free to ELSI participants.***

Official Website: http://www.case.edu/med/bioethics/cgreal/elsi/