On 19 March 2001, The Nuffield Council on Bioethics posted a public consultation document on its Web site to seek public opinion on the ethical, legal and social implications of research into the genetics of variation in human behaviour. Over 1,000 copies of this document have also been sent to interested individuals and UK organizations, including academics, voluntary organizations, religious groups and members of parliament.

The responses to this document will inform and provide discussion material for a panel of experts assembled by the Council to consider the implications and applications of this area of genetics research. Some of the issues they will discuss include: the ethics of undertaking research into the genetics of human behaviour on human participants; the implications of using this research to develop genetic tests for certain behavioural characteristics and their use by, for example, employers and insurance companies; and the way in which genetic information might influence our perception of those with particular behavioural traits.

The consultation document begins with a brief introduction to behavioural genetics research — what it is and why it is studied — and then goes on to discuss some of the ethical and social issues that are raised by this research. Throughout the document, key questions are posed to provide a framework around which respondents can formulate their responses and opinions, some of which will be collated by the panel in their final policy document, which is due to be published in early 2002.

So what do you do to become involved? Visit the Nuffield Council's Web site, download the policy document and return your comments to the council before 31 July 2001.