Abstract:

The rapid development of whole genome sequencing technologies is likely to revolutionise clinical and public health practice in terms of improved diagnosis and more personalised treatments. Yet at the same time, the volume and sheer complexity of this information presents great challenges in interpreting their significance. How do we know which are likely to be relevant, and what’s more, do we want to know about everything that might be relevant, particularly if there is no treatment or cure? What implications will these technologies have for health professionals whose job it will be to interpret these results? The development of new non-invasive tests during pregnancy is also set to transform prenatal care. What impact are these new tests likely to have and what are the ethical issues that need to be addressed before widespread implementation? In this talk I will focus on some of the key developments on the horizon in the world of genetics and public health as well as looking at some of the challenges and ethical dilemmas we are likely to face.