Choice over chance? A case study of pre-implantation genetic testing for polygenic traits

The proposed project will explore social and ethical issues related to the commercial application of Preimplantation genetic testing/diagnosis using Polygenic Risk Scores (PRSs) focusing on 'complex' polygenic traits such as schizophrenia, cancers, or cardiovascular diseases. Focusing on a US-based company called Genomic Prediction (now LifeView), it will examine the regulatory environment in which this testing may be offered in the UK, documenting the views of genetics professions, bioethicists and biomedical researchers. The methodological approach chosen - interviews and documentary analysis - is appropriate to explore these issues and this topic is both original - there is little social science work on polygenic risk scores - and well-placed with regard to previous scholarship in terms of drawing on and developing the literature.

Issues around ethics and safety are limited since the focus is on professionals (rather than patients/users) and will be managed using standard training and research ethics review.