Personal Genetics Education Project

(pgEd, pronounced “p”, “g”, “ed”)

Genetics is getting personal

Genetics research is progressing at a feverish pace and increasingly impacting people’s lives and society as a whole. A person may encounter genetics when seeking medical care or fertility treatment, when learning about their ancestry, during interactions with law enforcement, and even during a trip to the voting booth or local store.

New genetic technologies bring great promise for improving medical care and helping extend people’s lives. However, there are many ethical issues to consider and challenges that need to be overcome to ensure that the benefits would be available to all. Visit our ‘What is Personal Genetics?’ as well as ‘Benefits and Implications’ pages, to find out about how new scientific advances are making it easier for people to learn about their DNA and what it might mean for you, your family, and society.

Who is pgEd? 

Founded in 2006 in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, pgEd is a team of scientists, social scientists, educators, and community organizers, who talk with people about genetics in every way that it touches our lives – from health to the workplace and from the environment to the criminal justice system. To learn more, meet our staff!

Mission

pgEd’s mission is to increase awareness and conversation about the benefits and ethical, legal, and social implications of personal genetics. We believe that far-reaching public engagement about genetic advances is key for a safe and equitable path forward, and we strive every day to be inclusive of all people – regardless of socioeconomic or educational background, cultural or religious affiliation, and ethnic or personal identity. Find out about our programs!

Vision

pgEd imagines a future where everyone is aware about the personal, family, and social impacts of genetic advances. Equipped with information, people are better prepared to speak up, ask questions, make informed decisions for themselves and their families, and come together to act in the best interest of their communities and society as a whole.