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18 K.L.J. 201 (2007)
Issue 2

handle is hein.journals/kingsclj18 and id is 201 raw text is: (2007) 18 KLJ 201-208 Governing Genetic Databases: Collection, Storage and Use Susan MC Gibbons* and Jane Kaye-* This paper provides an introduction to a collection of five papers, published as a special symposium journal issue under the title 'Governing Genetic Databases: Collection, Storage and Use' It begins by setting the scene, to provide a backdrop and context for the papers. It describes the evolving scientific landscape around genetic databases and genomic research, particularly within the biomedical and criminalforensic investigation fields. It notes the lack of any clear, coherent or co-ordinated legal governance regime, at both the national and international levels. It then identifies and reflects on key cross-cutting issues and themes that emerge from the five papers, in particular: terminology and definitions; consent; special concerns with regard to population genetic databases (biobanks) and forensic databases; international harmonisation; data protection; data access; boundary-setting; governance; and issues concerning balancing individual interests against public good values. A. INTRODUCTION-SETTING THE SCENE Over the past decade, human genetics research has undergone extensive and rapid growth, both in the UK and worldwide. The avenues of inquiry that are now open have expanded dramatically, as major advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing, genomic research methods, information technology, computing and associated biotechnologies have substantially increased the range of tools and techniques available to scientists. One of the most significant developments has been a burgeoning in the number and sophistication of collections of human genetic materials used for biomedical research or other purposes, including criminal forensic investigations.1 Such collections-which, for convenience, Researcher in Law, Ethox Centre, University of Oxford. Research Fellow, Ethox Centre, University of Oxford. 1 See, eg, Frederica P Perera and I Bernard Weinstein,'Molecular Epidemiology: Recent Advances and Future Directions' (2002) 21(3) Carcinogenesis 517 and other references cited therein; Richard Tutton and Oonagh Corrigan,'Introduction: Public Participation in Genetic Databases' in Richard Tutton and Oonagh Corrigan (eds), Genetic Databases: Socio-Ethical Issues in the Collection and Use of DNA (Routledge, London 2004).

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