Event - Genomics in the Policy Room

In the “policy room” negotiations about how to deal with genomics affect the work of both life-scientists and social scientists accompanying genomics programmes: On the one hand, genomics is dealt with as an object of policy-making, most commonly in terms of (future) regulation and implementation, and in science policy. On the other hand, policy-making is also on the agenda of those active in genomics. Important policy questions are, among others, the division of resources, the valorisation and patenting of research findings and the societal aspects of genomics.

With this year’s Corsage Winter Meeting, we wish to shed light on this space of public science policy and start mapping it. We do so by asking the participants of the meeting to communicate and deliberate on both practical experiences and systematic reflections regarding life-sciences and genomics in the policy room. For this meeting, we invite young:

• researchers from the field of science and technology studies, from ELSA and TA programmes studying the field of genomics
• life-scientists who are interested, in general, in policy-making related to genomics, or such who have already made their own experiences in that area
• policy-makers, concerned with genomics,

to share their concerns, perspectives and experiences.

Confirmed opening plenary speaker: Cornelis A. van Bochove, Professor of Science Policy Studies, University of Leiden, NL, former Director Science Policy at the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (1999-2007)

Call for abstracts: Abstracts for this conference can be submitted until October 13, 2008.

Grants/fees: International speakers can be supported with travel grants. The individual amount of the bursary will depend on the number of eligible speakers. The conference, including catering, is free of charge for all participants.

The meeting receives financial contributions made by the Centre for Society and Genomics (CSG), and the Netherlands Graduate Research School of Science, Technology and Modern Culture (WTMC)

The meeting is organised in cooperation with GeNeYous (the Genomics Network for Young Scientists; www.geneyous.nl/home.php) and the Postgraduate Forum on Genetics and Society (PFGS, based in Exeter/UK; www.pfgs.org/pfgs).

For more information, please contact:

Peter Stegmaier: , Erwin van Rijswoud: