title: Communicating in context: a priority for gene therapy researchers.
abstract: History shows that public opinion of emerging biotechnologies has the potential to impact the research process through mechanisms such as funding and advocacy. It is critical, therefore, to consider public attitudes towards modern biotechnology such as gene therapy and more specifically towards the ethics of gene therapy, alongside advances in basic and clinical research. Research conducted through social media recently assessed how online users view the ethics of gene therapy and showed that while acceptability is high, significant ethical concerns remain. To address these concerns, the development of effective and evidence-based communication strategies that engage a wide range of stakeholders should be a priority for researchers.
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Core for Neuroethics, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health , 2215 Wesbrook Mall Room 3450D, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada +1 604 827 0642 ; +1 604 827 5229 ; jrobilla@mail.ubc.ca.
authors.forename: Julie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Robillard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D003142:Communication; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011639:Public Opinion; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000639:trends*
keywords: biomedical ethics; communication; gene therapy; online health; public attitudes