Program Results Topic Summary: Genetics
Program Results Special Report
Advances in the study of human genes offer promise for alleviating disease and improving human quality of life. Critics worry, however, that these advances could undermine the very meaning of human society.
Since 1991, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has funded 32 grants and contracts totaling about $7 million for projects related to genetics, genetic technologies and genetic services. See the Appendix for a complete list. Projects related to genetics supported by the Foundation and reported on in Program Results covered the following topics:
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Genetics, Genetic Technology, Genetic Testing and Genetic Service—One project aimed to bring individuals and groups together to discuss and research the ethical and legal issues raised by current advances in genetics.
- Consumer Attitudes and Awareness—Six projects supported by RWJF have assessed and/or influenced the public's attitudes toward and awareness of genetic technologies.
- Health Care Professionals: Attitudes, Training and Practice—Eight projects focused on the effect that advances in human genetics have made to the field of health care, especially by assessing the attitudes of health professionals, and addressing changes to their training and practice to accommodate these advances.
This report provides a road map of RWJF's support for work focused on genetics.