Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy
Executive Summary
The Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy (IGSP) was established with the explicit understanding that scientific advances in genetics and genomics require more than just exceptional science carried out within the confines of traditional disciplines; it requires exploration and scholarship carried out at the intersection of traditional disciplines in the life sciences, social sciences and engineering, embedded in a thorough discussion of the relevant social, political, ethical, legal and public policy issues. Launched as a direct result of the previous strategic planning process, the IGSP has become a multi- and interdisciplinary network of centers, research programs, and educational activities that together reflect an integrated, campus-wide approach to advancing aspects of the Genome Revolution and to addressing its implications for science, health and society. The creation of the IGSP represented Duke's recognition of the need to build bridges among researchers, clinicians, policy experts, and scholars based in virtually all of Duke's schools and to ensure that the next generation of scholars are trained across the range of experimental, quantitative and social disciplines needed to successfully address the challenges represented by the Genome Revolution.
Our overall goal is to achieve national prominence as the leading academic institute that addresses in a balanced, interdisciplinary and integrated manner both genome discovery and the translation of those discoveries into useful advances for society.
Our strategy is to define focused areas of strength where we can blend our interdisciplinary efforts in both the genome sciences and genome policy and to partner in a truly meaningful way with various schools and departments from across the Duke campus in order to establish areas of real leadership in research, translation, and education.
Several major themes and opportunities emerged from the Institute's strategic planning process, which will guide the development of Institute initiatives during the next five years.
Building Distinction: "Ask Big."
The hallmark of the genomics era in science is the ability to address significant questions in biology and medicine in a comprehensive, high-throughput and data-intensive manner – put simply, to "Ask Big."
In the next five years, the IGSP will focus on a number of major, potentially transforming interdisciplinary programs that involve significant partnerships with multiple groups across the University and the Health System, will attract the attention and passion of a broad cross-section of faculty and students, and will build on the strengths and synergies of both genome science and policy at Duke. For each of these programs, fully resonant with the broader strategic themes of the University, the IGSP has the potential to be seen as the place of leadership nationally.
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