The New Social Contract for Genomics

Abstract

The belief that genomics requires rethinking the ‘social contract’ to realize its potential has received backing from leading figures within bioethics. The case for a new social contract is anchored in notions of solidarity, altruism or the common good. But national genome sequencing is playing out against a backdrop of greatly increased involvement, and investment, of governments in their life science sectors – creating a sort of international race to drive innovation, stimulate growth, and create the most competitive life science sectors. Recent developments in the UK suggest this agenda is detrimental to openness and transparency, as well as independent oversight, and meaningful public consultation. These aspects of governance, I argue, should be reconceived as part of the requirements of good governance. Further, a new social contract should involve a commitment by government, and industry, to educate the public about life science – and should be extended to life science more generally.

KEYWORDS:

• Polygenic scoring
• embryo selection
• genomics
• governance
• public engagement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Edward Hockings

Edward Hockings, Philosophy lecturer, with an interest in applied, social and political philosophy. I am mainly interested in bioethics, from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. In regard to the latter, I campaign for responsible life science governance through public consultation and education, with EthicsandGenetics.org. Invited speaker at the UK Parliamentary Inquiry on Gene Editing and Genomics.