As basic biomedical research affords us deeper insight into fundamental biological processes and the growing ability to manipulate these processes, our social and ethical norms become increasingly challenged. Gene sequencing, DNA banking, manipulation of microbial genomes, studies of human genetic variation, and the growth of academic-industry ties all raise important questions about whether and how genetic research should proceed. Despite the gravity of such issues, there has been little consideration about how to translate work in research ethics into practical guidance for scientists before their research is planned and conducted. More typically, societal implications are considered only after the research is completed, thereby limiting the range of effective policy options.
In response to these challenges, CIRGE has developed the Benchside Ethics Consultation Service (BECS) to aid members of the genetics community in proactively identifying and responding to ethical, legal and social issues that may arise in their research. This new paradigm for integrating ethics and biomedical research provides a way for individual investigators to preemptively anticipate and attend to the downstream effects of their studies and for scientific communities overall to more judiciously guide the path of future research and discovery. The program builds on the research strengths of a variety of genetics and non-genetics departments on the Stanford campus and on the strengths of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics (SCBE), which is unique in its expertise in ethical issues related to the conduct of basic biomedical research.
The aim of BECS is to be a model of service and education to genetics researchers by assisting in the resolution of ethical dilemmas and concerns that may develop in the laboratory or clinical setting. Bioethical considerations are most useful if undertaken alongside or before scientific development occurs; therefore, BECS offers real-time discussions, analyses and conflict resolutions for researchers to explore current or anticipated ethical issues in their studies.
It should be noted that BECS is distinct from the general Research Ethics Consultation Service offered by SCBE and from the Clinical Consultation Service provided by the Stanford Hospital and Clinics Ethics Committee. BECS deals exclusively with questions arising from laboratory and clinical genetic research and only provides consultation outside of that field for requests that strongly hinge on issues relevant to the pursuance, policy or conduct of genetic research as a whole.
For more information, please read:
Pilcher, H. Bioethics: Dial 'E' for Ethics. Nature, 2006. 440:1104-5.
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