Can We Talk? A Public Conversation About Behavioral Genetics and Society

May 2-3, 2003

Convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and The Hastings Center

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Description

Perhaps more so then any other field of genetic research, advances in our understanding of the connection between genes and human behavior have tended to draw controversy, fostering hopes among some and fears among others. Why is behavioral genetics so controversial? Is it the nature of the subject matter, where the science touches on such topics as mental disease, memory lapses, risk-taking behaviors, and intelligence? Is it related to the way in which new findings are presented by scientists and the media? Is it connected to a lack of public understanding of behavioral genetics, coupled with past abuses of 'scientific' accounts of complex human behaviors? Whatever the cause, there is a need for scientists and others interested in these matters to engage in more open dialogue so that the public can become better informed, while those involved in science hear the nature of public concerns.

This conference will be a venue for such conversations. The program will probe the promises and limitations of the science of behavioral genetics and explore the social implications of the conduct and use of behavioral science research. In addition to two keynote addresses by leading experts in behavioral genetics, the meeting will feature a showing of Genes on Trial. In this program, one in a three-part series titled, Our Genes, Our Choices, produced by the Fred Friendly Seminars and shown on PBS television in early 2003, a panel of diverse expertise and backgrounds consider a hypothetical case focusing on the implications of genetic research for our understanding of the relationship between alcoholism and aggressive behavior. In the case, researchers undertake a study of genes and alcohol in a particular community, where alcoholism has been a problem among residents. Release of the study's findings leads to a media frenzy and community outrage. The case specifically explores whether persons at a higher genetic risk for alcoholism than the general populace should be held less responsible for criminal behavior. At this conference, the showing of the program will be intermixed with reactions from the audience via technology that allows for real-time "voting" on specific questions/issues. A Roundtable will follow that will explore ways to promote and sustain public dialogue about behavioral genetics and its social implications.

Who Should Attend

The conference is intended for an audience interested in learning about new developments in genetics related to behavioral diseases and conditions, and in reflecting on the broader social issues associated with potential uses of this new knowledge. For those eager to engage in a public conversation about these matters, this meeting will offer such an opportunity. We expect it to attract scientists from a wide range of the life sciences, as well as bioethicists, policy makers, community groups, religious leaders, science educators and writers, legal scholars, clinicians, and the media.

Conference Site

The venue for the meeting is the Auditorium in the AAAS headquarters building at 1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Visitors should enter at the 12th and H Streets entrance. The main phone number for the building is 202 326 6400.

Local Hotels

Conference attendees are responsible for securing their own accommodations. There are several hotels within short walking distance of the AAAS building that attendees can contact directly.

Sheraton Four Points Hotel
1201 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.289.7600

Marriott at Metro Center
775 12th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.2200

Morrison Clark Inn
1015 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.898.1200