Citizens' Inquiry into the Forensic Use of Genetic Information
Page last updated: 19 February 2009
This Working Group was established in April 2006 to set up and oversee a Public Dialogue exercise on the forensic use of genetic information.
The conclusions of the Citizens' Inquiry were published on 29 July 2008.
Following the publication of the citizens' conclusions the HGC launched a consultation to seek wider views on the collection and use of genetic information for forensic purposes. Information about this ongoing work is available here.
The HGC expects to publish a final report containing its advice to ministers about the National DNA Database and the forensic use of genetic information in the first part of 2009.
Membership of the working group
Membership of the group has changed over time to reflect the involvement of our partner organisations and co-funders, the DIUS Sciencewise Programme, the Wellcome Trust, the ESRC Genomics Forum and the Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Centre (PEALS).
Latest Information
- February 2009: HGC wins award for being 'most engaged policy maker' at Sciencewise-ERC annual awards for the Citizens' Inquiry.
- July 2008: Publication of the conclusions of the Citizens' Inquiry.
- May 2008: Presentation to the HGC by Citizens who participated in the Inquiry at the Commission's 32nd plenary meeting.
- March 2008: The Inquiry now has a 'Facebook' site, established by the facilitation team, where Facebook members can leave comments on the issues discussed. The site is: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12158485364&ref=mf
- February 2008: The Inquiry gets underway in Birmingham and Glasgow.
- January 2008: HGC announces appointment of Vis-a-vis RC Ltd to facilitate the Inquiry. (See the HGC's press notice.)
- August 2007: Specification for the Citizens Inquiry published. (Read the Specification). Tenders are received from six bidders to facilitate the Inquiry. (See the HGC's press notice.)
Working Group meetings
To read the agendas and minutes from Group meetings, please click on the meeting dates on the left-hand column.