Hastings Center Investigators: Erik Parens and Josephine Johnston

Principal Investigator: Paul Appelbaum, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Funder: National Human Genome Research Institute

Project Website: braingenethics.cumc.columbia.edu

The Center for Research on the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic and Behavioral Genetics (CEER) is undertaking research, training, and translation around the ethical, legal, and social implications of advances in psychiatric, neurologic, and behavioral (PNB) genetics. In its first five years, the CEER’s research explored the impact of PNB genetic information at the individual, familial, and societal levels, considering its effect on stigma and self-image, attributions of responsibility, and responses to ambiguity. (See project description.) In its final four years, it will analyze the impact of genetics research on PNB traits in general and autism in particular, focusing on the implications of this research on notions of responsibility, identity, and life prospects. The Hastings Center is involved in many aspects of the CEER, including the translation of its research into policy and practice.