We need to talk about big data and genomics. Here's why – and how
Genomics is emerging as a key source of data in healthcare. The benefits could be enormous, but we need to have a public debate about the risks and rewards.
I am a social scientist with a clinical background of over 10 years as a midwife. I combine this with my training in medical anthropology and research interests in social justice and inequalities. At present, my work involves researching ways to ensure ethical and good governance with genomics and health data sharing and use. I have a special interest in researching the voices of people who are not traditionally represented in research in Western countries, and extending this research arena to LMIC. This would build upon insights from my PhD, where I explored how women from Black and South Asian populations in the UK constructed knowledge of genetics and familial breast cancers, and how they made health-based decisions around that knowledge.
Genomics is emerging as a key source of data in healthcare. The benefits could be enormous, but we need to have a public debate about the risks and rewards.
There has never been a more important time to start a public conversation about genomics. Could a global PR campaign help to demystify this technology?