The Future Genomics Society First edition 14 - 25 February 2005 Wageningen, The Netherlands Organised by the Graduate Schools VLAG and MGS in collaboration with Biosystems genomics, Society & Genomics and WCFS-CMSB

Introduction

Background
The aim of this course is to introduce PhD students with a natural science or a social science background to a wide range of social issues invoked and implicated by recent developments in genomics research, with an emphasis on nutrigenomics and plant genomics. The course will enable students to think reflexively about their own research and the wider technological and societal issues it raises, and to engage in critical reasoning and debate concerning society and genomics.
Key issues in genomics such as the use and validation of genetic databases, intellectual property rights, risk analysis, consumer rights and concerns and the building of research agendas are dealt with from a range of perspectives: social psychology, consumer research, ethics and communication studies. The course focuses on questions such as: what are key terms in genomics and for what purposes are they used and reformulated by different groups in society like scientists, the media, governments and non-governmental organisations? How does genomics relate to technological developments, and consumer-citizen concerns, in the past? How will consumers respond to recent and future advances in genomics? How do experts deal with uncertainties in information and how does this affect society? How can we assess and develop technologies that are rooted in both 'expert' and 'non-expert' knowledge and concerns?
Students will apply and elaborate these insights in a case study focused on developing future scenarios about genomics in specific areas.

Course contents

Course aim
On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• identify and evaluate recent developments in the relation between society and genomics research
• analyse and critically appraise different theoretical approaches to technology development and assessment, and the communication about 'new' technologies
• apply these theories and frameworks to concrete topics and issues raised by genomics research
• reflect on their own research and show an awareness of technological and social implications
• participate in wider critical debate concerning society and genomics
• identify the range of discussion among natural scientists regarding technology implementation

Course design
The course is a combination of five three-hour lecture/discussion sessions (Monday 14 - Thursday 17 February and Monday 21 February), group work (developing a future scenario; afternoons) and presentations of the group assignment in the form of a public hearing or debate (Friday 25 February). Students will also write an individual essay (Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 February).
Course credits: 4.00 ECTS
Examination: Group assignment (50%) and individual essay (50%). The group assignment should be handed in at the last meeting (Friday February 25). The individual essay has to be completed before March 7.

Programme topics

• Ethics of technology: from technology push to co-evolution of technology and society
• Expert-non-expert interaction in genomics: about reluctant citizens and united experts?
• Technology development and assessment in the field of genomics
• Consumer behaviour and risk communication: the case of genomics
• Group assignment 'Future scenarios in genomics'
• Stakeholder and public assessments of genomics--participation from technology design to commercialization
• The future genomics society: a public hearing.

The complete programme can be downloaded here in pdf.

Organisation

Other faculty

• Dr Hedwig te Molder (course leader, Communication Science - Wageningen University)
• Dr Gerda Casimir (Sociology of Consumers and Households - Wageningen University)
• Prof Edna Einsiedel (Communication Studies- University of Calgary, Canada)
• Prof Lynn Frewer (Marketing and Consumer Behaviour - Wageningen University)
• Dr Bart Gremmen (META - Wageningen University)
• Dr Jan Gutteling (Communication Science - University of Twente)
• Prof Michiel Korthals (Applied Philosophy - Wageningen University)
• Amber Ronteltap MSc (Marketing and Consumer Behaviour - Wageningen University)
• Dr Harry Wichers (Agrotechnology & Food Innovations - Wageningen University & Research Centre)
• Prof Michael Müller (Human Nutrition - Wageningen University)

General information

Date & duration
The course will be held from 14 February - 25 February 2005.

Study load
The study load of this course is ECTS credits.

Language
The course language will be English.

Location & accommodation
Lectures will be given at Wageningen University.
Hotel rooms are available at the Wageningen International Conference Centre (WICC), please find all information at www.wicc.nl, e-mail address is hotel.congres@wicc.nl, phone +.31.317.490133.

Contact information
More information about the contents of the course can be obtained from Dr Hedwig te Molder, Communication Science, Wageningen University, phone: +31 317 484562, e-mail: Hedwig.teMolder@wur.nl
For organisational matters please contact Mrs Yvonne H.M. Smolders: phone: +31 317 485108, e-mail: Yvonne.Smolders@wur.nl

Registration & course fee

The registration form must be returned to The Graduate School VLAG.
Final registration date is 10 January 2005. If the number of applicants exceeds the maximum of 25, selection will be necessary. Applicants will be notified on acceptance of their registration before and will receive instructions for payment and further information.
The course fee is € 250 for PhD-students and post-docs of Wageningen University. For other participants the course fee is € 600. The course fee includes materials, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches and one course dinner.

Photos

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