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A Trans-Atlantic Dialogue on Genetics and Health:
Research Frontiers and Ethical, Economic, Legal, and Social Issues
A Symposium Co-hosted by
The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington D.C.
through its Norwegian Research and Technology Forum in the U.S. / Canada
and
The Center for Strategic & International Studies
Date
May 16, 2003
Time
8:30am to 12:30pm
Venue
Center for Strategic and International Studies
1800 K Street; N.W. Washington, D.C.
B1 Conference Room
Background and Purpose
Leaders from research, industry, government and public policy will forecast research advances in the "new biology," likely health applications, and the ethical, economic, legal, and social issues. Participants will consider differing perspectives on key issues and debate the value of international benchmarking, minimum standards and sharing of best practices. They will include representatives from national and international basic and applied research institutions, representatives from business and industry, and government and NGOs actively engaged in the defined seminar topics.
Draft Agenda
Opening Remarks
- Knut Vollebaek, Ambassador of Norway to the U.S., Forum Chair
- Charles A. Sanders, Former CEO, Glaxo Inc. and Trustee, CSIS (Symposium Chair)
- U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, Chair, Senate HELP Committee
Keynote Address:
- Kjell Magne Bondevik, Prime Minister of Norway
Distinguished Featured Speaker:
- Anne McLaren, Principle Research Associate at Wellcome/CRC Institute,University of Cambridge, Member of EGLS, The European Group of Life Sciences, and of EGE, The European Group on Ethics -- high-level Advisory Bodies to the EU Commission.
Session One: Research Frontiers and Technological Convergence
Expanding and applying our understanding of biological complexity will require convergence of information technologies, bioinformatics, nanotechnologies and other newly emerging technologies. The session will address opportunities and issues emanating from this integration.
- Rita Colwell, Director, US National Science Foundation
- Christopher G. Caine, Vice President of Governmental Programs, IBM Corporation
Session Two: Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics, or "individualized" medicine may dramatically improve the efficacy and safety of drug therapy. The session will consider issues such as equity in the distribution of health benefits, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
Andrew Von Eschenbach, Director, National Cancer Institute
Steve Fodor, Chairman and CEO, Affymetrix, Inc.
Sandy Thomas, Director, Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Session Three: Embryonic Stem Cells in Therapeutic Research
The U.S position on cloning and stem cell research remains at an impasse. The session will review the state of the science and explore the implications of differences in US and European opinions and regulatory approaches.
Catherine Verfaillie, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Director, Stem Cell Institute University of Minnesota
Representative from The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board
Representative from Genome Canada
Session Four: Regenerative Medicine and Aging
Speaker William Haseltine has said "As we understand the body's repair process at the genetic level, we will be able to advance the goal of maintaining our bodies in normal function, perhaps perpetually." The session will explore current research and the economic and social implications of its potential application.
William Haseltine, President and CEO, Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
Richard Jackson, Adjunct Fellow, CSIS Global Aging Initiative
Session Five: Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis: Science and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Genetic analysis of early embryos developed in vitro can provide information on inherited genetic and chromosomal disorders and other characteristics. The information can be used to choose embryos for implantation according to their genetic makeup, for example, those free from inherited diseases. The session will consider the course of unfolding knowledge, its potential applications, and respective regulatory regimes in the US and Europe.
Barbara Rhode, Head of Unit, Ethics, Science and Society, Directorate General Research, EU Commission
Ola Didrik Saugstad, Professor in Pediatrics, Dep. of Pediatric Research, The National Hospital
12:30 Adjourn
Coaches depart for the Residence of Norway's Ambassador to the U.S. 3401 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington D.C.
12:30-02:30 pm
Reception offered by Norway's Ambassador to the U.S. Knut Vollebaek, at the Ambassador's Residence, in the presence of Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, celebrating Norway's National Independence Day
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