The Genetic Age Festival

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The Genetic Age Festival at the Royal Institution is a series of forward-looking discussions focusing on the challenges facing scientists and policy makers over the coming decade.

• The Human Trace: Using DNA to look into our past. Where did we come from?
• Genetics and Health: Moving genetics into the clinic, who pays? Who benefits?
• Genetics in crime, race and behavior: What can genetics tell us about our strengths, weaknesses and social groups?
• Issues in Genetics: Wrap-up of topics listed above
• Our Genetic Future: How will DNA change our lives in the future? Will it extend beyond medical care? What policy and ethical frameworks do we need to have in place?

June 2, 7pm - 8:30pm
The Human Trace
Advances in DNA sequencing have now made it possible to find out accurately where we come from. This may lead to a fundamental examination of who we are. Is this something to be welcomed or feared?
Panelists:

Dr. David Ashworth, Chief Executive, Oxford Ancestors
Neil Cameron, Executive Producer of Motherland
Dr. Tom Murray, President of the Hastings Centre of Ethics
Chair: Fiona Fox, Head of the Science Media Centre
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June 3, 8:30am - 4:30pm
The Genetic Age
Recent developments such as the sequencing of the human genome are helping to move research out of the laboratory and into the clinic. It is tempting to make bold assessments as to where genetic applications may take us in the long-term, but what happens now and in the next 5-10 years will be crucial in shaping how current research is harnessed for the maximum benefit to society.

Many decisions are already being made by industry, policy makers, investors, and government, but what will the impact be? Will today's policies, institutions and research priorities see us through to the next decade? How long will it be before Investments pay off? How will the public react?

Genetics and Health
Professor Ogobara Doumbo, Director, Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Mali
Dr. Duncan McHale, Senior Director, Clinical R&D, Pfizer
Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, Chairman, National Institute for Clinical Excellence
Professor Hugh Watkins, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford
Chair: Dr. Shereen El Feki, Healthcare Correspondent for The Economist

Genetics in Crime, Race and Behaviour
Dr. Paul Debenham, Director, Life Sciences, LGC
Professor Barbara Koenig, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Stanford University
Professor Terrie Moffitt, Professor of Social Development, Institute of Psychiatry
Chair: Dr. Shereen El Feki, Healthcare Correspondent for The Economist

Issues in Genetics
Dr. Tim Hubbard, Head of Human Genome Analysis, The Sanger Centre
Dr. Tom Murray, President, Hastings Center of Ethics
Dr. Matt Ridley, Honorary President, International Centre for Life
Dr. Shuzaburo Takeda, Executive Director, Business-University Forum of Japan
Chair: Dr. Shereen El Feki, Healthcare Correspondent for The Economist

June 3, 7pm - 8:30pm
Our Genetic Future
This event will provide the opportunity to engage in dialogue directly with the public, drawing on issues raised at the symposium.
Panelists:

Professor Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive, Medical Research Council
Dr. Ron Zimmern, Director, Public Health Genetics Unit
Dr. Matt Ridley, Honorary President, International Centre for Life Dr Sandy Thomas, Director, Nuffield Council on Bioethics