Centers for Excellence in ELSI Research (CEER) Awarded Grants
- University of Washington Center for Genomics and Health Care Equality
- Stanford University School of Medicine Center for Integration of Research on Genetics and Ethics
- The Duke Center for the Study of Public Genomics
- Case Western Reserve University Center for Genetic Research Ethics and Law
- Center for Genomics and Society at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- University of Pennsylvania Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technology (Penn CIGHT)
- Exploratory Centers
- News Release
University of Washington Center for Genomics and Health Care Equality
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Core Summary of Research Activity![]()
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Wylie Burke, M.D., Ph.D., $4.7 million over five years
This center will conduct research on the ethical, legal and social factors that influence the translation of genetic information to improved human health. It will be dedicated to addressing two overarching themes resulting from the clinical integration of genomics: the need to define criteria for clinical integration that lead to clinically and socially appropriate applications of genomic health care, and the need for a translational pathway that incorporates the goal of reducing health and health care disparities among the medically underserved. A major outcome will be the development of methods to inform all segments of society about technological advances, and to improve the mechanisms for obtaining input from diverse populations to help to identify and assess policy options for addressing these challenges.
Stanford University School of Medicine Center for Integration of Research on Genetics and Ethics
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Mildred Cho, Ph.D., $3.8 million over five years
This center will focus on the ethical, legal and social consequences of uncovering the genomic contributions that may contribute to behavioral and neurological conditions. Research that examines attributes and traits that are possibly found more frequently in certain populations has the potential to stigmatize both individuals and groups. The Stanford center will work to identify and understand the issues related to this genetic research, provide consultation and guidance to genetic researchers on these issues, and develop training and education materials that can be integrated into the design and implementation of neurological and behavioral genetic studies.
The Duke Center for the Study of Public Genomics
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Robert Cook-Deegan, M.D., $4.8 million over five years
This center will assemble a team to gather and analyze information about the role of publication, data and materials sharing, patenting, database protection and other practices that may affect the flow of information in genomics research. Research pertaining to these topics will make a much-needed contribution to the understanding of how information flow influences development, commercialization and use of genomic products and services that may benefit human health.
Case Western Reserve University Center for Genetic Research Ethics and Law (CGREAL)
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Eric Juengst, Ph.D., $5.3 million over five years
This center will study the ethical issues in the design and conduct of human genetic research, including issues regarding the protection of human subjects in research. After first surveying existing ethical, legal and social implications research, and current genetic research regulations and guidelines to determine how adequately they address present and emerging ethical concerns, the center will conduct research and develop resources that will contribute to stronger policies and guidelines in genetic research.
Center for Genomics and Society at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
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Gail Henderson, Ph.D., $5.6 million over five years
The Center for Genomics and Society is a scale-up of the University of North Carolina Exploratory Center Grant (PI: Donald Bailey). This CEER is conducting an integrated set of research, policy, and education activities focused on new or heightened ELSI issues resulting from large-scale gene discovery and disclosure projects, and developing policy-relevant recommendations that will address translation to practice.
University of Pennsylvania Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technology (Penn CIGHT)
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Research
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Reed Pyeritz, M.D., $ 5.3 million over five years
The University of Pennsylvania Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technology (Penn CIGHT) is a new CEER focusing on the implications of the communication and use of potentially uncertain genetic information. Penn CIGHT will develop tools that will help consumers, professionals, policy makers and insurers understand and cope with the certainty or uncertainty of results from genetic technologies.
Exploratory Centers
Columbia University University
- Center for ELSI Research on Psychiatric, Neurologic and Behavioral Genetics
Paul Appelbaum, M.D., Columbia University, New York, $690,000 over three years (FY 2010-2013).
This exploratory center is focused on ELSI Research on Psychiatric, Neurologic and Behavioral (PNB) Genetics to facilitate better understanding and application of information coming from research on the genetics of PNB phenotypes.
Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU)
- Interdisciplinary Center on Epigenetics, Science & Society
Nancy Press, Ph.D., OHSU, Portland, $710,000 over three years (FY 2010-2013).
This exploratory center is focused on the exploration of ELSI issues that may develop as our scientific understanding of epigenetics is advanced.
Harvard University
- Harvard/MGH Center for Genomics, Vulnerable Populations and Health Disparities
Alexandra Shields, Ph.D., Harvard University, Boston, $560,000 over three years (FY 2004-2007).
This exploratory center focused on the intersection of genetics, vulnerable populations and health disparities in tobacco dependence, asthma and diabetes.
Howard University
- Center on Genomics and Social Identity in the African Diaspora
Charmaine Royal, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, $700,000 over three years. (FY 2004-2007)
This exploratory center focused on the social and cultural identities of individuals and communities of African descent and how those identities influence attitudes about genomics and health care as well as health behaviors.
Related News Release
- NHGRI Launches Centers for Excellence in Ethical, Legal and Social Implications Research
August 2004 CEER News Release
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Last Updated: January 3, 2013



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