Genetic Self Testing

A conference on: Genetic Self Testing will be held 14-15th of January 2009 at University of Aarhus, Denmark.

Genetic tests that possibly predict the onset of a disease or indicate a heightened risk of serious conditions can significantly influence an individual's life. Genetic tests on the open market are becoming more common. Governments, official agencies, and consumer groups should consider this new development and discuss whether regulatory controls are needed.

At the conference speakers from the Nordic Countries will cover technical, medical, legal, consumer, and ethical aspects of genetic testing.

From Denmark two human geneticists from University of Aarhus (Lars Bolund and Anders Børglum) will give state of the art of molecular analysis of the human genome.

Kári Stefánsson, CEO from the Icelandic company deCODE genetics will talk about the genetic services offered to the public.

Robin Engelhardt, science journalist, from the magazine Ingeniøren in Denmark will talk about his own personal experiences with gene tests.

From Finland Helena Kääriäinen, professor of medical genetics at the University of Turku, will talk about Clinical Genetic Viewpoints on Genetic Analysis.

Also from Finland, Dr. Sirpa Soini, from the University of Helsinki will give an overview of National and International Regulations.

From Norway Terje Kilin from the Norwegian Consumer Council will talk about consumer perspectives.

Dr. Astridur Stefansdottir from the University of Iceland will talk about ethical aspects of genetic analysis.

From University of Linköping in Sweden professor Anders Nordgren will discuss philosophical aspects.

And finally from London Dr. Frances Flinter representing The Human Genetics Commission in UK will give viewpoints on: Profiling Over-the-Counter Genetic Tests.

The meeting will end with a panel discussion with the speakers focusing on the possibility and the need for new regulations.

The conference is organized by the Nordic Committee for Bioethics.

For detailed programme and further information, contact professor Thomas G. Jensen from the organizing committee (thomas@humgen.au.dk) (phone 2778 2805) or Lotta Knutsson, committee secretary (secretary@ncbio.org). The programme is also available at www.ncbio.org.