Genomic Research and Data-Sharing

Abstract

This article analyses the ethical and legal aspects of data-sharing and genomic research. It begins in Part II with an overview of the nature of genomic information, and whether it is exceptional when compared to other forms of health information. Part III considers the role of data-sharing in genomic research, with the importance of public trust in supporting genomic research considered in Part IV. The Australian regulatory framework for data-sharing in genomic research is considered in Parts V and VI, with reform options discussed in Part VII. The article concludes that advances in genomic research and the complexity of the current regulatory framework make it timely to review Australian laws to ensure that they maintain their relevance for this rapidly developing field of research.