Why should North Carolina pursue a genomics initiative?
Throughout the country, public and private labs are racing to make sense of the information coming from the effort to map the entire human genome and the genomes of other organisms. North Carolina must move strategically and aggressively now to compete effectively and to establish leadership in genomics and bioinformatics.
Like any technology, genomics will follow a logical progression from the laboratory to the marketplace. The infrastructure needed to support that progression is similar to that necessary for the growth of the biotechnology industry, which the North Carolina Biotechnology Center has worked to support since 1984. Genomics and bioinformatics are a natural offshoot of the Center's mission, and the technology stands to bring great benefits to North Carolina.
At its initial stage, research and development will be the center of the state's genomics and bioinformatics efforts. As marketable ideas begin to spin out from university and industrial laboratories, high-paying jobs will become available for North Carolina residents. Sale of products and growing businesses will then bring in more tax money for the state. The Consortium, with the help of the Center, is the key to forging the relationships that will make this economic vision a reality and put the state at the forefront of the genomics and bioinformatics revolution.
What is the role of the Consortium?
Genomics and bioinformatics research relies on many participants from many different fields. Integrating these players is crucial in producing the next scientific advances. The North Carolina Genomics and Bioinformatics Consortium, LLC will bring together these parties to exchange information, share resources, form alliances and create strategic initiatives.
How will the Consortium accomplish those goals?
A Research and Development Council has begun meeting at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to map out strategies to achieve these goals. Eleven universities, 16 corporations and nine non-profit institutions from throughout North Carolina have participated in the discussions so far. The group has established several subcommittees to pursue specific activities, including communication among associates and to the public.
What social, ethical or cultural issues are impacted by genomics? The technology does not come without ethical questions. Who will have access to all of this genetic information? How will that information be used? The Consortium will establish a forum for discussing these issues.