Project Leader:       
Stephen J. Ward

Lead Institution:       
University of British Columbia

Research Funding Program:   
Competition III

Genomics Project:
Pleiades Promoter Project

This project aims to develop genetic tools to use as therapeutic interventions for brain disorders such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, depression, ADHD and autism.  With the ultimate goal of developing better communications strategies for genomic journalists, the GE³LS portion of this project will focus on three interrelated areas of inquiry.

First, the research will investigate the communication processes involved in getting information about genomics to the Canadian public.  The research will also examine the role of journalists in the communication process, and how that role might change.  Finally, the research will study how journalists should write and structure their genomic reports in ways that are socially responsible, so as to engage the public rather than act solely as a one-way conduit of science information.

Under the direction of Dr. Stephen J. Ward, this project hopes to generate several positive outcomes for genomics communication, including the creation of the first course in science communication/journalism at a Canadian school of journalism.  Ward is the director and an associate professor of journalism ethics at the University of British Columbia’s School of Journalism, and is internationally recognized as an expert on journalism ethics.