A £4 MILLION grant has been given to academics at Lancaster University to study the ethical aspects of advances in genetic research and engineering.
The award, given by the Economic and Social Research Council, will be used to set up a collaborative 'Centre for the Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics.'
The centre will form a partnership between Lancaster and Cardiff Universities.
There have been concerns arising from the new genetics, including confidentiality of genetic information, patenting, GM foods and transgenic animals.
The centre will work to understand the cultural and economic consequences of the rapid changes in genetic science and technology.
One of its aims is to create a national resource for many public and private bodies .
Professor of Bioethics and Director of the new centre Ruth Chadwick said: "This award will allow us to build on Lancaster's strong track record of excellence in this field of research and to engage with a variety of stakeholders at a time of rapid developments in genomic science.
Lancaster's particular expertise is based around the ethical aspects of genetics research."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article