ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum

The University of Edinburgh

http://www.genomicsnetwork.ac.uk/forum/

Established in August 2004, the ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum is an innovative enterprise in the field of social science research based at the University of Edinburgh.

The Forum is part of the ESRC Genomics Network (EGN) (http://www.genomicsnetwork.ac.uk/) and draws on the work of more than 100 researchers based at four centres and spanning five universities across the UK.

The Forum acts to integrate the diverse strands of social science research within and beyond the EGN; to develop links between social scientists and scientists working across the entire range of genomic science and technology; and to connect research in this area to policy makers, business, the media and civil society in the UK and abroad. This is a novel and challenging role, but one which presents huge opportunities.

Under the Directorship of Professor Steve Yearley and the Deputy Directorship of Dr Steve Sturdy, the Forum is widening the reception of social science research beyond existing audiences, and building capacity amongst social scientists for public and policy engagement.

In support of its work on public engagement, the Forum is responsible for the day-to-day management of Gengage and also hosts the Patient Engagement Network which is run by the Genetics Interest Group.