Public Engagement
Developments in genetics promise to impact on all of our lives. How, for example, will advances in genetics affect us in terms of diagnosis and treatment of disease?
Nowgen runs projects that promote dialogue between the public and other stakeholders in genetic medicine.
Nowgen aims to:
- disseminate genetic knowledge;
- adopt novel approaches to stimulate thinking;
- characterise and understand public concerns;
- ensure that public views are represented in decision-making processes.
Current Projects
Graphic Novel
Nowgen are producing a graphic novel to explore the issues faced by people with restricted growth.
Dialogue Events
Speakers with diverse perspectives contribute to public events on topical issues.
Schools Programme
Nowgen runs interactive workshops for young people and training programmes for teachers.
Patient Support Groups
Nowgen organises events for patient groups and works with NHS patient involvement programmes.
Past Projects
Faces of Manchester
This project focused on genetics and identity in the first Manchester Science Festival.
Public Survey
An ICM poll commissioned in August 2006 shows how the UK public feels about genetic medicine.
Making Humans Better?
This school-based project encouraged pupils to think about human enhancement.
Photography Competition
The public expressed their views on genetics by submitting photographs in this competition.
Artist-in-Residence
An artist organised innovative workshops to explore genetics with the wider community.
Science Communication Workshops
Nowgen have run workshops to help scientists communicate with the public more effectively.
Focus Groups on Personalised Medicine
The public discussed the use of genetic tests to influence the way medicines are prescribed.
Investigators
Publications
To view all Nowgen publications click here
Key Publications
Finegold P, Mathieson K, Holmes L, Boon M, Cottle M, Donnai D, Middleton-Price H. Is the UK public ready for genetic medicine? Personalized Medicine. 2008; 5 (1): 65-76.
ICM Genetics Poll (484kb), commissioned by Nowgen. August, 2006.
Sue Weldon. Public engagement in genetics: a review of current practice in the UK (267kb).
Publisher: Lancaster University & Nowgen, 2004
Nowgen Digest 1 (384kb) A Review of Public Engagement
