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How human geneticists in US view commercialization of the Human Genome Project

Nature Genetics volume 29, pages 15–16 (2001)Cite this article

The Human Genome Project (HGP) has become highly controversial due to the entrance of commercial competition. Recent literature explores such concerns as patenting, secrecy, excessive duplication of efforts, and focus on profits rather than quality of research1,2,3.

To assess the opinions of human geneticists on these issues, we mailed questionnaires to the 3,632 scientist members of the American Society of Human Genetics residing in the U.S. (Table 1). We received 1,229 anonymously completed questionnaires that met our criteria for eligibility (only scientists who have at some point engaged in human genetics research). The relatively high response rate of 44% indicates that the issues are of interest to many researchers.

Table 1 Profile of the 1,229 survey respondents
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References

  1. Knoppers, B.M., Hirtle, M. & Glass, K.C. Science 286, 2277–2278 (1999).

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  2. Chapman, A.R. (ed.) Perspectives on Genetic Patenting: Religion, Science, and Industry in Dialogue (AAAS, Washington, DC, 1999).

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  3. Regalado, A. Technology Review Sept–Oct. 2000, 49–55.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the members of the American Society of Human Genetics for participating in the study and the Richard Lounsbery Foundation for funding it.

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  1. Biological and Health Sciences, Empire State College, State University of New York, 225 Varick Street, New York, 10014-4382, New York, USA

    Isaac Rabino

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Rabino, I. How human geneticists in US view commercialization of the Human Genome Project. Nat Genet 29, 15–16 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0901-15

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