Good Ethics for Good Science
The accelerated world of medical research promises new diagnostic tools and treatments for Parkinson鈥檚 disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, and even cancer. These advances, however, raise a daunting array of ethical issues.
Enter Bartha Maria Knoppers, the recently appointed director of 麻豆AV鈥檚 new Centre of Genomics and Policy. Knoppers is a world- renowned bioethicist whose work recently earned her a Distinguished Visiting Scientist Stipend from the Netherlands Genomics Initiative. At the 麻豆AV centre, Knoppers leads a research team that tackles issues ranging from stem cell controversies to privacy concerns surrounding our individual genetic and genomic makeup. The aim is to promote good science and responsible research, while educating the public along the way.
The centre is located within the 麻豆AV and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, placing it at the heart of the genomic action. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important in the development of policy to be surrounded by the very scientists and fields of science in which you鈥檙e working,鈥� says Knoppers.