Research Initiatives
Institute for Science, Health and Society
With the completion of the Human Genome Project, a coherent, proactive, theory-based, empirically oriented approach to examining the ethical, legal and social implications of biomedical science is needed. Through programs of research, teaching, and service, the Institute for Science, Health and Society will address the following fundamental questions:
- How will the new biomedical advances change our concept of what is life?
- What constitutes "right" and "wrong," "ethical" and "unethical," "legal" and "illegal" behavior and under what circumstances?
- How much should society pay for these advances, as they are made available?
- How quickly are they likely to impact our lives
- How will they change our sense of individualism and autonomy on the one hand and our sense of collectivism and community on the other?
Examples of specific topics that could be addressed are the implication of anti-aging medicine, the relationship between socioeconomic status and the biology of aging, e amination of how social disparities in early life create significant lifelong health risks, and developing a model of well being based on the ability to function. The institute would hold conferences, provide seed grants to investigators, improve communication between Science and the media, provide fellowship support for students and sponsor an annual International forum.
Targeted Financial Goal: $10 million
