Genomics - Introduction

Management of genetic information is a key issue currently facing human society. Recombinant genetics is one of the most dramatic technological developments/new phenomena to date in the area of biotechnology. New techniques for identifying and manipulating genes are the first strand in what Jeremy Rifkin describes as 'the new operational matrix of the Biotech Century'. While the motivation behind genetic engineering is age-old, the technology itself represents something qualitatively new. To understand why this is the case, we must appreciate the distinction between traditional tinkering with biological organisms and the mutational potential of current genetic engineering.

I'd like to thank the organisers for the opportunity to let me participate but I'm sure my co-panel would also like to thank you for the opportunity.

This session is about management of Genetic information and Genomics and we have six very interesting speakers who will be able to allow additional insight into the intersections of art, science and the issues. I'm going to invite the panel members to introduce themselves to you and then we'll have about fifteen minutes from each of them which will allow a good half hour for questions at the end. So I'll hand over to Patricia.