DATE: 4-5:50 p.m. Sept. 14, 2009.

EVENT: The University of Michigan will host an interdisciplinary seminar series from September 2009 to April 2010 called “The Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Personal Genomics.”

The six events in the series include lectures and panel presentations from national and international experts in the field. These will provoke discussion among U-M faculty and students about various issues posed by the rapid expansion of genomic services and research.

Events include: “Who Owns Your Genes? Intellectual Property, Innovation Policy, and the Future of Genetic Medicine.” This looks at ethical, scientific, medical, and policy issues in gene patenting as exemplified by the recent lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and Myriad Genetics, holder of patents on the BRCA 1 & 2 genes and test for risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Panelists include: Shobita Parthasarathy, U-M assistant professor at the School of Public Policy, author of “Building Genetic Medicine: Breast Cancer, Technology, and the Comparative Politics of Health Care;” Sofia Merajver, U-M professor of Internal Medicine, director of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and Evaluation Program; and Rebecca Eisenberg, U-M professor at the Law School, author and lecturer about the role of intellectual property in biopharmaceutical research. A student and panelist reception immediately follows the event.

PLACE: All events occur at Forum Hall at Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave., U-M Central Campus. Events are free and open to the public.

WEB: For more information and a list of events, visit: http://www.elsi.umich.edu

MEDIA: Contact Laura Bailey if interested in attending.