Gene Geniuses - 2006 GenEthics Competition

Australian of the Year 2005, Dr Fiona Wood congratulates the finalists of the genEthics competition
[Photo: WA Health]

August 17th, 2006 - Event at Scitech

WA high school students had their say in the debate on ethics and genetics at the 2006 genEthics competition, which wrapped up recently with the finals held at Scitech as part of National Science Week.

WAIMR's Laboratory for Genetic Epidemiology co-sponsored the essay competition, which was open to Years 10-12 students across the state. Support was also provided by the Office of Population Health Genomics of the WA Health Department, Scitech, WAIMR, Edith Cowan University and Biotechnology Australia.

This year, students were asked to consider the pros and cons of taking part in a fictional long-term, population-based health study. The study would collect detailed health information, including physical and psychological tests, along with a blood sample for biochemical and genetic analysis. Students were asked to research and justify their opinions on a variety of ethical, legal and social issues such as privacy, consent, fairness, commercialization and ownership of data and benefit sharing.

For example, students put forward their views about who should be able to access the data (police? employers? insurers?); whether private groups, such as pharmaceutical companies, should be able to make money from the results of the study; whether they'd want to know the results of any tests taken and how the benefits of the study would be best shared with the community.

Five finalists were chosen to deliver a short presentation of their essay in front of fellow students, teachers and scientists at a special ceremony on the 15th August. The evening commenced with an inspiring speech by Dr Fiona Wood, a medical researcher and burns specialist and 2005 Australian of the Year.

The quality of the presentations was extremely high and the competition close. The judges finally awarded first prize to James Sprivulis from Christchurch Grammar School, who won $750 cash and a schools visit by Dr Wood. Ellen Longman from MacKillop Catholic College was second and Catherine Leed from Rossmoyne Senior High School won third prize. Tim Eyers and Jessica Truss from Lesmurdie Senior High School were also worthy finalists.

The Laboratory for Genetic Epidemiology is proud to support and foster involvement in genEthics, because the competition is a great way to encourage young people to learn more about genetic science and voice their opinion about its role in society - every one us should have the opportunity to understand and discuss the issues which affect our community.