Bridging the Genomics Divide

Monday, 13 February 2012

Bridging the Genomics Divide

Publication date: 2003

Source: Ludwig Centre for Cancer Research

19 April 2004 | EN

This fact sheet suggests the ways in which developing countries can contribute to - and benefit from - advances in genomics. It suggests that some public money would be better spent on supporting genomic science in developing countries, which can aid both poor and wealthy societies. It also provides a round-up of developing nations currently pursuing genomic programmes.

Genomic science, the fact sheet suggests, holds several advantages for developing countries:

Sequencing is a straightforward process that can be done effectively and efficiently in the developing world

There are fewer barriers to achieve genomic discoveries compared to other disciplines

Tropical diseases that affect mainly poor nations stem from clearly defined pathogens that are best deciphered through genetic research

Genomics is an emerging science allowing early investments to pay off in the future

Given the long list of problems that developing countries face, funding genomic research must be carefully balanced against other health necessities. When done wisely - for example, by relying on a network of coordinated labs, and utilising existing talent - these initiatives have prooved financially viable.

Go to key document

Add your comment

This is your network: share your views on any of our articles by adding your comments.

Comment

You need to be signed in to post a comment or to email a consenting comment author. Please sign in or sign up.

Email me when someone responds to the discussion

All comments are subject to approval and we reserve the right to edit comments containing inappropriate/unsuitable language. SciDev.Net holds copyright for all material posted on the website. Please see terms of use for further details.

All SciDev.Net material is free to reproduce providing that the source and author are appropriately credited. For further details see Creative Commons.

Back to Key Documents
To the top