Let’s talk genomics offers inspiration and practical toolkits for everyone who wants to engage citizens in conversations about genetics and genomics in society.
Genomics – the study of all genetic material, or DNA, in the human body – is increasingly developed and applied in today’s society. The knowledge it generates is highly valuable for health and medicine, but also for other domains such as forensics, artificial intelligence and genealogy.
Engaging citizens about genomics is important because genomics affects everyone. Over the course of a lifetime, most people will probably face decisions related to genomic testing and the potential consequences of its information. Engaging citizens on the possibilities and benefits of genomics, as well as its risks and uncertainties, can ensure they feel more empowered. This engagement can help them to trust its possibilities, while also critically reflecting on it.
As technology evolves, the choices citizens make can help shape the future role of genomics. Public engagement and a better understanding of citizens’ values and concerns make it possible to develop genomics in a way that is supported by society.
This website is for anyone who wants to engage citizens in discussions about the benefits, risks, and ethical and societal challenges of genomics. Teachers, genetic counsellors, nurses, patient organisations, civil society actors, policymakers and many others all play an important role in supporting the responsible and sustainable implementation of genomics in society. By facilitating public debate, they help citizens become well-informed and active partners in this process.
The website offers an overview of key topics in contemporary genomics. Rather than presenting an exhaustive set of facts or definitive answers, the goal is to encourage public dialogue and critical reflection. It provides foundational information as well as real-life stories and practical examples to spark meaningful, in-depth discussion. The site also highlights inspiring public engagement initiatives and includes hands-on materials to support dialogue. Together, these elements serve as building blocks for productive public conversations about an issue that affects every individual and will shape society as a whole.
The topics on this website are presented using two complementary approaches.
On the one hand, several topics are organised along a life course. Key moments in a person’s life are highlighted where genomic information can play an important role in major decisions, such as events related to reproduction, illness or ageing. Because many people can relate to these moments, they provide a strong starting point for discussion and reflection.
On the other hand, some topics focus on core issues and big questions related to genetics and genomics. These are not tied to specific life stages or types of genomic information, but are cross-cutting and relevant whenever someone encounters genomic data. Examples include interpreting genomic information, protecting sensitive data and understanding how genomic insights relate not only to individuals, but also to relatives, ancestry and the environment.
Depending on the context, target audience or type of debate, users can choose one or more topics from either the life course or the core questions. Each topic contains sufficient background information and concrete examples to initiate and support meaningful discussions. Topics are interconnected and can easily be combined. Within each topic, explicit references are made to related issues discussed elsewhere on the website. By exploring multiple topics, users can assemble the inspiration and information needed to support their dialogue effectively.
Genomics is a complex field with specialised terminology. The Glossary provides accessible explanations of frequently used terms, and glossary references are integrated throughout the website.
Finally, the website showcases numerous examples of public engagement initiatives where genomics-related topics are discussed with the general public. These initiatives can serve as inspiration for users who wish to engage their own audiences. Relevant examples are referenced within each topic, and an overview list of public engagement initiatives is also available.
Let’s talk genomics was created in the context of the Beyond 1 Million Genomes plus (B1MGplus) project.
The B1MGplus project is funded by the European Commission and supports the development of a European cross-border network of genomic and clinical data to improve healthcare outcomes. It provides coordination and support for the 1+ Million Genomes (1+MG) initiative.
The 1+ Million Genomes (1+MG) initiative is a commitment by 24 EU countries, the United Kingdom and Norway to enable secure access to genomic and corresponding clinical data across Europe. Its goal is to support ground-breaking research, inform health policymaking and incentivise personalised healthcare with the potential to improve disease prevention. To achieve this, the initiative aims to provide cross-border access to one million sequenced genomes. As a result, the 1+MG initiative has become one of the world’s largest genomics projects and plays a leading role in setting global standards in the field.