GE³LS research stands for Genomics-related Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal and Social research.

GE³LS research is carried out by academic researchers interested in studying the relationship between genomics and society from an ever-expanding range of social sciences and humanities-related disciplines, including: sociology, law, philosophy, bioethics, religion, anthropology, business, education, economics, history, geography, cultural studies, linguistics, environmental and conservation sciences, animal welfare, communications and media studies, political science and public policy and administration.

Genomics research and related technological innovations are progressing at lightning speed. What was barely even imaginable just a few years ago has now entered the realm of possibility. Genome sequencing and the enhanced understanding it enables have revolutionized our appreciation of the role that genes can play (either in interaction with one another and/or with the environment) in explaining life's development and susceptibility to certain conditions.

The advancement of genomics science and its potential applications present exciting and far reaching opportunities, including:

• developing new diagnostic tools to better understand disease;
• customizing medical treatments to individuals' genetic make-up;
• developing more robust crops and animals to enhance food safety and security, and increase production and efficiency;
• breeding hardier trees less susceptible to disease and capable of producing better quality wood;
• cataloguing living species on earth to understand their evolution and monitor risks of their extinction; and
• developing new biofuels as alternative, cleaner sources of energy to help sustain our environment.

All of these potential applications of genomics also have broader ethical, economic, environmental, legal and social implications. GE³LS researchers consider these broader societal implications by studying, for example, possible competing social values, enabling factors or impediments, potential impacts and unanticipated consequences.

GE³LS research provides a broader perspective that helps prevent scientific tunnel vision and enables well-balanced and socially beneficial scientific progress. GE³LS researchers bring forward their expertise, as partners at the research table, in order to help shape and answer relevant research questions. Through their active involvement and integration in the research projects, they bring to bear a fuller diversity of ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social views on critical questions, such as:

• where could/should innovation lead us?
• how could/should new genomics knowledge be applied in practice?
• how could/should resources be allocated? and,
• how could/should resulting benefits be distributed in society?
• How do various publics view these issues?

Biobanks

A biobank is a collection of human tissue and/or blood samples. The genetic information derived from these samples can typically be linked to other forms of identifying personal information for:

1. research purposes – to better understand the determinants of health and more effectively treat disease;
2. criminal investigations – to convict the real perpetrators of heinous crimes and free the wrongfully convicted; and/or
3. compassionate reasons – to identify the human remains of missing persons and inform family members.

While these constitute important societal goals, biobanks also raise significant concerns about the privacy and confidentiality rights of individuals whose tissues samples and personal data are being collected in the biobank. GE³LS researchers aim to understand the extent to which the public is willing to make trade offs between privacy protection and data access, for which purposes and under what conditions.

GE³LS research tries to develop effective frameworks for governing the creation and use of biobanks in a way that balances the pursuit of laudable social goals, with the need to protect – and respect – privacy as a fundamental value in a free and democratic society.

Stem Cell Research

New and emerging stem cell research offers exciting potential for curing some of the most serious and debilitating human diseases, disorders and injuries, such as Parkinson's, diabetes and spinal cord injuries.

At the same time, these innovative technologies, to the extent that they use embryonic stem cells, raise fundamental ethical questions. Some of these include concerns about the moral status of the human embryo, free and informed consent of the donors whose eggs and sperm created the embryo, the safety of experimental treatments and the respect for human dignity and integrity.

GE³LS research seeks to articulate these and other fundamental issues underlying public debate on stem cells. GE³LS research strives to balance competing social values as well as help guide scientific progress within appropriate and acceptable limits. It also tries to better understand public perceptions and viewpoints so that they may be considered in ongoing research and help inform policy development.

Genetic Testing

Clinical genetic tests can now provide a whole new dimension of information about one's health potential over the course of a lifetime. In some cases, test results allow for earlier preventive measures and treatments; in others, they can help prepare for more informed reproductive choices. GE³LS researchers study effective ways of providing this information to individuals and their families and help support decision-making processes in the clinical context. GE³LS researchers also anticipate and evaluate other potential impacts such test results can have on individuals and their families, including:

• the potential psychological impact of receiving predictive information about one's chances of developing a serious disease for which there is no known prevention or treatment;
• potential discriminatory effects such test results may have in employment and insurance contexts;
• potential disruptions in family relationships when such tests reveal new knowledge about paternity linkages.

There are many complex GE³LS questions that arise in the course of genetic research studies as well, including: what to do when positive test results are obtained in the context of a research project; the utility and validity of these test results that were not intended to have clinical application; and whether the researcher is even able to trace back research samples to specific individuals? If so, should researchers report back the test results to affected individuals and their families? Under what circumstances and subject to what conditions should this be done?

Recent years have seen an unprecedented growth in the availability of direct-to-consumer genetic tests for recreational purposes. Individuals clearly have the right to be curious and to seek out knowledge about themselves and their ancestry. Businesses have seized the opportunity to provide commercial access to genetic testing services over the internet.

Yet, this activity is not entirely without related risks. GE³LS research examines appropriate legislative and policy frameworks for regulating the scientific, safety, consumer, privacy and security aspects of this new burgeoning industry.

Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetic modification of food and other organisms (GMOs) is a hot topic both at home and abroad. Genetically modified crops, animals and fish may provide more robust and sustainable sources of food, with greater disease resistance and higher growth potential. Though a promising prospect to help enhance production efficiencies, GMOs are not without controversy. GE³LS researchers aim to understand and consider the controversies and implications of GMOs from multiple perspectives including:

• public perceptions of risks and benefits and consumers' level of receptiveness and acceptance of GMOs;
• labelling and production requirements to meet transparency and safety concerns;
• cultural and socio-economic impacts on farmers, fishermen and Indigenous communities;
• intellectual property regimes designed to create commercial incentives for developers, while also allowing for an equitable distribution of benefits, particularly for developing countries;
• broader environmental issues of altering and/or introducing new life forms, including potential impact on other dependent species and concerns of biodiversity; and
• larger ethical questions underlying critical resource allocation choices between food and fuel imperatives.

GE³LS research contributes significantly to the state of knowledge about critically important issues that arise at the interface of genomics and society. The results of this body of GE³LS knowledge can have significant impact for a number of interested users:

The public

Some GE³LS research projects are designed to gain better understanding of public perceptions and their underlying hopes and/or concerns about genomics research and its many potential applications. GE³LS researchers working in this field study effective ways of actively engaging the public in relevant policy debates about the rightful place and appropriate limits of emerging genomics technologies in society.

Policy Makers

GE³LS researchers, as agents of policy change, help inform the development and evolution of laws and public policies at the federal and provincial/territorial levels. They also promote effective and well-balanced governance regimes to oversee major research endeavours. Canadian GE³LS researchers have gained national recognition and are having significant influence internationally as well, placing Canada in a position of global leadership when it comes to GE³LS related policy issues.

Genomics Researchers

GE³LS researchers work side by side with genomics researchers to reflect upon broader societal implications of large-scale genomics projects and work through complex issues. Through collaborations with their scientific colleagues, GE³LS researchers contribute to the development and refinement of relevant research questions by anticipating and addressing potential implications up front. Also, by virtue of their multi-faceted perspectives and complementary expertise, GE³LS researchers help guide design and implementation of projects in a thoughtful and well-balanced manner.

Technology Users

By addressing broader societal implications, GE³LS researchers help enable applications of genomic technologies that are ethically responsible, economically viable, environmentally sustainable, compliant with prevailing norms and respectful of socio-cultural values and preferences. Potential users of these technological applications span the full range of relevant sectors, including: health, agriculture, animals, fisheries and oceans, forestry and biofuels.

One of Genome Canada's five main objectives is to assume leadership in the area of ethical, environmental, economic, legal, social and other aspects related to genomics research (GE³LS) and to communicate relative risks, rewards and successes of genomics to the Canadian public.

Genome Canada's national leadership in GE³LS research distinguishes itself in three ways:

1. it offers a unique GE³LS research program that incorporates both economic and environmental dimensions, unlike other programs elsewhere in the world, which focus primarily on ethical, legal and social dimensions;
2. it requires, as a funding condition, that GE³LS aspects be integrated into all genomics research funded by Genome Canada; and,
3. through its signature large-scale projects, it provides a sufficient basis for teams of Canadian GE³LS researchers to produce outcomes of international calibre and have significant impact.

Genome Canada's National GE³LS Strategy is to continue promoting world-class GE³LS research, while also encouraging systematic, creative and dedicated efforts to translate research results into tangible outcomes for relevant end-users including, researchers, technology users, policy-makers and the general public.

Seven activities in support of the National GE³LS Strategy are:

1. Evaluating GE³LS Progress & Supporting Success
2. Strengthening GE³LS Integration & Making it Meaningful
3. Bridging the GE³LS Research – Public Policy Gap
4. Bringing GE³LS Research "Home" to Canadians
5. Showcasing Canadian GE³LS Research on the International Stage
6. Enabling a Vibrant GE³LS Network Across Canada
7. Leveraging GE³LS Research Results into Action

Genome Canada's Chief GE³LS Officer is responsible for working in collaboration with the regions to lead a national strategy for addressing GE³LS issues in Canada and internationally. Having this position among the senior ranks of the organization signals Genome Canada's commitment to ensure a GE³LS perspective is always brought to bear on the shaping of corporate priorities, strategic plans and future directions of the organization.

The GE³LS Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the management and coordination of GE³LS-related programs and initiatives.

To help guide the work of the staff, a small external advisory group has been formed to serve as a sounding board for new ideas and initiatives and to provide high-level strategic advice on how Genome Canada might best achieve its leadership objective in the area of GE³LS. This informal advisory group draws its members from Genome Canada's Board of Directors and Genome Canada's Science and Industry Advisory Committee.

"GE³LS 7" is a national networking group comprising representatives from each of Canada's six regional Genome Centres and Genome Canada. The goals of this informal, virtual network are to:

• promote awareness of GE³LS within and beyond the research community funded by Genome Canada through the regional Genome Centres;
• facilitate the integration of GE³LS in existing and future Genome Canada funded genomics research projects;
• promote capacity building in GE³LS, regionally and nationally, to continually augment Canada's robust GE³LS community;
• facilitate interaction between the regional Genome Centres and Genome Canada to develop and implement ideas that support the Centres' GE³LS initiatives, Genome Canada's national GE³LS agenda and the national GE³LS community;
• leverage existing GE³LS infrastructure to the benefit of all Centres, recognizing the uneven distribution of GE³LS dedicated resources across the Centres;
• build shared GE³LS initiatives and collaborations across and between regional Genome Centres and Genome Canada; and
• reduce duplication of effort across regional Genome Centres by sharing information, materials and experiences regarding GE³LS related activities.

Genome Canada funds GE³LS research through two main mechanisms:

• Stand-alone GE³LS research projects are large-scale projects focusing exclusively on GE³LS research. The principal investigator (PI) is a GE³LS researcher(s).
• Integrated GE³LS research comprises relatively smaller-scale projects that are a required component of all large-scale genomics projects. They are intended to address GE³LS research questions which are relevant to the large-scale science project. GE³LS researchers work alongside the scientific PIs, as active partners and collaborators, to address the broader ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social implications of the project. They are intended to be meaningful contributors, helping to shape the research questions, influence the design and methodology, and enable the overall goals of the project. As academic researchers in their own right, their integrated research work is also intended to strengthen capacity and advance the state of knowledge in their own respective disciplines.

An important aspect of assuming leadership in GE³LS is through the support of large-scale projects with promising potential to advance knowledge and have significant impact both nationally and internationally.
Click here for examples of large-scale GE³LS research projects and their descriptions.

All large-scale genomics research projects must integrate GE³LS research together with the scientific research.

Integrated GE³LS research could involve, as examples:

• critically analyzing benefits and risks of genomics research and its outputs based on evidence;
• examining existing barriers to new genomics applications;
• exploring legitimate, responsible and appropriate ways of facilitating genomics uptake among end-users in order to maximize fair distribution of benefits while minimizing risks;
• evaluating various methods of communicating with the public about genomics;
• examining the role and influence of media;
• engaging the public in deliberative processes about the application of genomics technologies in society;
• analyzing the adequacy of current regulatory and policy frameworks and proposing more effective models of governance.

Examples of proposals that would not, in and of themselves, constitute valid GE³LS integration include:

• obtaining research ethics board approval for the project
• obtaining a legal opinion on the proposed project
• obtaining an environmental impact assessment or a privacy impact assessment
• conducting a review of existing patents
• appointing an ethics or law expert on the project's Scientific Advisory Board
• conducting isolated GE³LS research with no demonstrable relevance or interaction with the rest of the large-scale project.

Click here for integrated GE³LS projects and their descriptions:

The most recent Guidelines for the Large-Scale Applied Research Competition 2010 specify as follows:

"All applicants must identify and address key ethical, economic, environmental, legal and/or social (GE³LS) aspects relevant to the genomics research being proposed. Not all GE³LS aspects – ethical, economic, environmental, legal and social – will necessarily be relevant in each proposal, but key aspects relevant to the objectives and/or expected outcomes of the proposed project must be identified and addressed.

The Project Leader is expected to team up with one or more co-applicants with appropriate expertise in GE³LS-related disciplines relevant to their proposal. The Project Leader may consult GE³LS programs staff of the regional Genome Centres or the CanadaGE³LS Database to assist them in identifying appropriate GE³LS researchers to involve as co-applicants.

As members of a well-integrated team, GE³LS co-applicants are expected to develop a scholarly research plan that is aligned with, and complementary to, the proposed milestones of the overall genomics project. The GE³LS research plan should involve a systematic investigation designed to advance generalizable knowledge in relevant academic fields that can be applied to the proposed genomics project, as well as other similar projects or applications.

GE³LS co-applicants are encouraged to coordinate, wherever possible, with other GE³LS researchers working on similar questions in other Genome Canada-funded projects to maximize opportunities for synergies and minimize potential duplication.

In addition to the above requirements, GE³LS expertise could be sought out, as needed, through collaborations with others or through appropriate involvement in the project's proposed governance structure (for example, GE³LS membership on scientific advisory boards or committees)."

The relevant criteria for evaluating GE³LS research plans in the Large-Scale Applied Research Competition 2010 are:

1. Key GE³LS aspects relevant to the objectives and/or expected outcomes of the proposed project are appropriately identified and addressed
2. The GE³LS co-applicants on the team have appropriate expertise, experience, credibility, commitment and resources to effectively address the GE³LS aspects
3. The ways in which the Project Leader and GE³LS co-applicant(s) propose to communicate, collaborate and interact with one another throughout the course of the project are meaningful and effective
4. The integrated GE³LS research plan is aligned with, and complementary to, the overall project milestones and is sufficiently robust and systematic to advance generalizable knowledge in relevant academic fields
5. Consideration has been given to coordinating efforts with GE³LS researchers working on similar questions in other Genome Canada-funded projects to maximize opportunities for synergies and minimize potential duplication

The CanadaGE³LS Research Database includes a description of Canadian-funded GE³LS research projects since 2005 and is searchable by research field, sector of activity, region, funder, keyword or issue, principal investigator and institutional affiliation.

Genome Canada produces a national, e-newsletter called IMPACT: Genomics and Society to update readers on GE³LS research developments. The newsletter is produced on a bi-annual basis and each issue is dedicated to a central theme of relevant and timely interest. In order to view past newsletters and subscribe to our distribution list to receive future newsletters, please click here.

Genome Alberta also produces a GE³LS Newsletter that offers regular updates on the work of the Genome Alberta GE³LS team, as well as a GE³LS Digest that provides an excellent overview of recent developments around the world relevant to GE³LS research. To view these newsletters, please click here.

Genome British Columbia publishes a "Genomics and Society" Newsletter three times a year. Please click here.

There are numerous scholarly journals that publish peer-reviewed articles on GE³LS research and its results. Depending on your area of interest, you could look up the following sources: GE³LS relevant journals.

There are a number of relevant blogs and other social networks that offer online discussion forums for individuals interested in dialogue about GE³LS-related research. A few relevant ones are:

1. GenOmics on Facebook
2. Research Ethics Blog
3. Genome Alberta Blog
4. Business Ethics Blog
5. Genethics Blog
6. Blog.Bioethics.net
7. HUM MOLGEN: The Ethical, Legal, Social Implications (ELSI) Bulletin Board
8. The Genomics Law Report
9. The Cross-Border Biotech Blog

Genome Canada and the Genome Centres are committed to educating the general public about GE³LS research, engaging them in public discussions on related societal issues and fostering open exchange of a diversity of views and perspectives.

Public events have taken innovative forms such as musical films, theatrical plays, art books and modern dance, all intended to invoke reflection and dialogue. An interactive art exhibit has already travelled to several nature museums across the country. Free public forums and lecture series have been held in universities, high schools, technology museums and even shopping malls. Education modules have been developed for biology teachers and their students.

To receive more information on upcoming events or existing educational materials and/or to become more actively involved in public dialogue about GE³LS research and related issues, bookmark these websites:

Genome Centre events

• Genome Canada
• Genome BC
• Genome Alberta
• Genome Prairie
• Genome Atlantic
• Genome Quebec
• Ontario Genomics Institute

There are a number of other stakeholders who provide funding for GE³LS related research across Canada. These include:

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR is Canada's major health funding agency. CIHR supports GELS research in three main ways:

• The CIHR Institute of Genetics (IG) supports research on the human and model genomes and on all aspects of genetics, basic biochemistry and cell biology related to health and disease, including the translation of knowledge into health policy and practice, and the societal implications of genetic discoveries.
• The CIHR Ethics Office encourages interdisciplinary, innovative and integrative research on ethical issues pertaining to health, and also fosters the discussion of ethical issues to strengthen the culture of research ethics and integrity in Canada. The Ethics Office develops and implements research ethics policies, builds capacity and supports research on ethics.
• The Operating Grant Program (OGP) provides operating funds to support research proposals in all areas of health research. Grant funding aims to contribute to the creation, dissemination and use of health-related knowledge, and to help develop and maintain Canadian health research capacity, by supporting original, high quality projects proposed and conducted by individual researchers or groups of researchers, in all areas of health.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is a federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research, training and knowledge mobilization in the humanities and social sciences.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 26,500 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,800 university professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,400 Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects.

Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCEs) The NCE is a joint program of NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR and Industry Canada. Its mission is to mobilize research and commercialization to build a healthier, more advanced, more competitive and more prosperous Canada. NCE programs that fund GE³LS related research include:

• Advanced Foods and Materials Network
• Allergy, Genes and Environment Network
• Stem Cell Network

A variety of bodies, committees and research centres have been established internationally to address GE³LS related issues. Here are just a few examples:

• The Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Program (United States) is funded and managed by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and Department of Energy. The Program fosters basic and applied research on the ethical, legal and social implications of genetic and genomic research for individuals, families and communities.
• The Centre for Society and Genomics (Netherlands) aims to address the relationship between society and genomics, while at the same time stimulating dialogue among all stakeholders.
• The ESRC Genomics Network (United Kingdom) was established by the Economic and Social Research Council and is dedicated to examining the development and use of the science and technologies of genomics. The ERSC Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGEN) is a multidisciplinary centre in which staff from social sciences and humanities work closely with natural and medical sciences to address the social, economic and policy aspects of developments in genomics. Cesagen's main objective is to investigate the economic and social factors that shape natural knowledge in the field of genomics, broadly understood.
• The Centre for Law and Genetics (Tasmania, Australia) aims to provide excellence in research for the benefit of Australian and international communities into the legal, ethical and social issues arising from developments in plant, human and animal genetic technology.
• The European Research Area on Societal Aspects of Genomics (ERASAGE) ERASAGE is a consortium of nine funding bodies from seven countries in the European Community that funds research into the ethical, legal and societal aspects of genomics. The consortium aims to promote cooperation and coordination of such research within these countries and the website provides information on consortium partners (including Genome Canada) as well as research reports.
• The World Health Organisation's Human Genetics Centre provides further information and resources on the ethical legal and social implications (ELSI) of human genomics, as well as recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Health Research (ACHR) in the area of ELSI in human genetics.

For GE³LS contacts at Genome Canada and the Genome Centres, click here.