National Human Genome Research Institute - CEER Centers

CEER Centers

In 1990 as part of the Human Genome Project, the NHGRI dedicated 5% of its annual budget to explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research. This program’s current priorities focus on the ethical applications of genomics to as it applies to communities, families, and individuals in areas such as healthcare, research, defense, intellectual property, regulation, policy, and larger social issues. In 2004 the ELSI program established several Centers for Excellence in ELSI research (CEER). It was funded with substantial contributions from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. CEER centers have a common focus on the ethical, social, and legal implications resulting from the advances in genomic research.

The initial centers were

• Case Western Reserve University's Center for Genetic Research Ethics and Law; Eric Juengst, Ph.D., $5.3 million

Further information is needed.

• The Duke Center for the Study of Public Genomics; Robert Cook-Deegan, M.D., $4.8 million

Further information is needed.

• Stanford University School of Medicine's Center for Integration of Research on Genetics and Ethics; Mildred Cho, Ph.D., $3.8 million

Further information is needed

• University of Washington's Center for Genomic Health Care and the Medically Underserved; Wylie Burke, M.D., Ph.D., $4.7 million

This center is focused on equitable distribution and use of translational genome research in underserved and marginalized communities. CGHE has several cores working to address different lenses of health disparities, genomic research, and outreach education. These cores include the Partnership core, the Genome Sciences core, the Healthcare Decision-making core and the Indigenous Genomics Alliance.