Socialising the Genome: talking to patients about genetics

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• Dr Anna Middleton, Head of Society and Ethics Research at Wellcome Genome Campus
• Tuesday 13 June 2017, 14:00-15:30
• Large Seminar Room, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Lucy Lloyd.

All welcome to this Primary Care Unit seminar

Given that the vast majority of the public have never heard of genomics, how could we describe this to them? We know that science (and in particular genomics) has the potential to create a power differential between ‘expert’ and other; the net result being that people are put off even trying to engage.

“Socialising the Genome” research project aims to understand how to make genomics a more social concept, developing evidence-based narratives that can open up this complex, somewhat arcane field to wider public understanding.

Building on the results of focus groups, 6 delightfully quirky animations were created which explore different methods for starting a conversation about genomics. These were then measured for likability, interest and informational content amongst a representative British public.

As genomic medicine advances from lab to clinic, looking set to affect all our lives at one time or another, there is a real and pressing need for public engagement projects like Socialising the Genome. Without getting a public conversation started, there is a risk that confusion, mistrust and even pseudo-science will rush in to fill the gap.

Anna Middleton (Head of Society and Ethics Research at Wellcome Genome Campus) is a psychologist and genetic counsellor who will share her work on public attitudes towards issues within genomics and the innovative methods she has used to engage them in research.

This talk is part of the Primary Care series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• BHRU Annual Lecture 2015
• BHRU Annual Lecture 2016
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit Special Seminars
• Department of Public Health and Primary Care
• Large Seminar Room, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR
• Primary Care
• PublicHealth@Cambridge
• primary care

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