GE³LS = Genomics-Related Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal and Social Research

Overview

If genome sciences are to provide innovative solutions to the major challenges facing agriculture, bioenergy, human health, mining, the environment, fisheries and aquaculture and forestry in BC, they must be developed and applied in ways that ensure societal acceptance and benefit, as well as economic and environmental sustainability.  Leadership in social science and humanities research related to genome sciences will help ensure these innovations lead to optimal benefits to society through an increased understanding of these benefits and risks of such research.

Since 2005, Genome Canada has required that all genomics and proteomics research projects funded by Genome Canada include an integrated GE³LS (Genomics, Ethics, Economics, Environment, Legal and Social) research component to address specific ethical, economic, environmental, legal, or social issues related to the genomics research project.

To date, Genome Canada has funded nine large scale GE³LS research projects in conjunction with other genome centres across Canada. Jointly with Genome Canada, Genome BC has funded two such projects.