Making Genetics and Genomics Policy in Britain

This important book traces the history of genetics and genomics policy in Britain. Detailing the scientific, political, and economic factors that have informed policy and the development of new health services, the book highlights the particular importance of the field of Public Health Genomics.

Although focused primarily on events in Britain, the book reveals a number of globally applicable lessons. The authors explain how and why Public Health Genomics developed and the ways in which genetics and genomics have come to have a central place in many important health debates. Consideration of their ethical, social, and legal implications and ensuring that new services that are equitable, appropriate, and well-targeted will be central to effective health planning and policymaking in future.

The book features:

• Interviews with leading individuals who were intimately involved in the development of genetics and genomics policy and Public Health Genomics
• Insights from experts who participated in a pair of 'witness seminars'
• Historical analysis exploiting a wide range of primary sources

Written in a clear and accessible style, this book will be of interest to those involved in the research and practice of genetics, genomics, bioethics, and population health, but also to NHS staff, policymakers, politicians, and the public. It will also be valuable supplementary reading for students of the History of Medicine and Health, Public Health, and Biomedical Sciences.

Philip Begley is a historian of contemporary Britain, with particular interests in health, politics, and public policy. He has been a member of the ‘Governance of Health’ team at the University of Liverpool since 2015 and is currently the lead researcher on a project which investigates the history of the genetics and genomics policy in Britain. His recent research focused on the history of management in the National Health Service and the emergence of management consultants as important players in health policymaking.

Sally Sheard is Executive Dean of the Institute of Population Health at the University of Liverpool. She also holds the Andrew Geddes and John Rankin Chair of Modern History. Her primary research interest is in the interface between expert advisers and health policymakers. Sally has extensive experience of using history in public and policy engagement. She also has written for and presented television and radio programmes, including the 2018 BBC Radio 4 series National Health Stories.