Genomics and Diversity

Uncovering the mysteries of the human genome and exposing humankind to the benefits and potential risks of this information will affect all humans regardless of race, class, gender, socio-economic status or any other classification measure. For this reason, the Genomics Institute have a commitment to diversity—they strive to involve and include all people in genomics research. By keeping the complete breadth and diversity of humankind at the heart of project goals, they are committed to steering research toward positive ends. As a community of scientists, we are committed to pursuing a greater understanding of the entirety of our diverse human genome and the consequences of this knowledge. They are also committed to making the results of our genomics research available to everyone in the public sphere. They are actively concerned about the ethical, social and legal implications of genomics research.

Many people have expressed fears about what human genome research will lead to. Will it illustrateour differences or our commonalities? Will it be used to lend scientific credence to the prejudices of the past? These are valid fears that should not be ignored.