The ethics weathervane.
BACKGROUND
Global collaboration in genomic research is increasingly both a scientific reality and an ethical imperative. This past decade has witnessed the emergence of six new, interconnected areas of ethical consensus and emphasis for policy in genomics: governance, security, empowerment, transparency, the right not to know, and globalization.


CONCLUSIONS
The globalization of genomic research warrants an approach to governance policies grounded in human rights. A human rights approach activates the ethical principles underpinning genomic research. It lends force to the right of all citizens to benefit from scientific progress, and to the right of all scientists to be recognized for their contributions.
Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, 740 Ave Dr. Penfield Suite 5200, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada. bartha.knoppers@mcgill.ca.
Bartha Maria
BM
Knoppers
Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, Manchester Law School, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
Ruth
R
Chadwick
D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000941:ethics; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D016494:Computer Security; D036281:Genetic Research / Q000941:ethics; D023281:Genomics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000941:ethics; D007391:International Cooperation; D038622:Internationality; D028701:Patient Rights; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011050:Policy Making; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011640:Public Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends