The ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genetics rightly occupy a central position in genetics research. But what progress is being made with these issues? Which organizations are making the key statements, and how are they likely to influence policy-making in human genetics? The website HumGen has been launched to help interested parties to navigate through the wealth of ELSI information and research. The stated aim of HumGen is to put scientists, policy-makers, legislators, industrialists and the general public in touch with “credible, relevant policy statements on topics related to human genetics around the world”.

The project director of HumGen is Bartha Maria Knoppers, a professor at the Public Law Research Centre ( CRDP) of the University of Montreal. She leads a substantial team, drawn mainly from the CRDP, to maintain and develop HumGen.

The information in HumGen is divided into three main areas. The current-awareness function of HumGen is served by GenInfo, which provides information such as recent statements and press releases. GenBiblio is a search engine that allows users to find and collate archived information. Finally, GenConnect provides contact information for over 200 organizations (governmental and non-governmental) that provide the statements that are made available at HumGen.

The site is attractively designed, simple to navigate and should become a valuable portal to information on the full range of implications of genetics research.