ike the title itself, the Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal and Social Implications of Genomic Research is a comprehensive and wide-ranging response to the multi-faceted and wide-ranging effects of genomics research. For many, genomics research is akin to the search for the secret to life itself and invites literary parallels from Prometheus to Dr. Frankenstein. Aware of the potential for controversy, public queries and media probing, genomics researchers are considering the many questions that attend innovation and discovery.

The mapping of the human genome has been hailed as a breakthrough discovery - one that will lead to new treatments or even cures for many diseases. Genomics itself - the study of the genetic material inside every living organism - has been touted as holding the potential to improve everything from the crops we grow to the fuel we use.

Its proponents point to the potential benefits that lie ahead: an end to diseases such as AIDS and cancer; better and more personalized medicine, where drugs and treatment are based on our own, unique genetic makeup; food that has been genetically modified to protect us against disease; and plants that are more resistant to insects, disease or drought, enabling us to feed the hungry of the world.

But what about the other side of the issue? New technologies such as cloning, stem cell research and genetic modification of foods are highly contentious. As Martin Godbout, President of Genome Canada, recently put it, "Canadian society is entering an era when we must deal with increasingly complex and controversial scientific and ethical issues. Is scientific discovery outpacing our ability to deal with it? As a society, we need to reflect on what can scientifically be done and what, we believe, should be done."

As well, new questions are being asked: Who will have access to our genetic information? Is the developing world going to be left behind in the genomics revolution? Should genes be patented? Is genetically modified food safe?

In many ways, genomics is making all of us explorers in new and uncharted territory. What we need are maps to guide us, and signposts and principles to show us the way. The first step toward understanding is becoming familiar with the journey itself - where we are now and what might come next.