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The purpose of the consult service is to provide a scholarly, confidential environment to discuss and address ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) related to the conduct of a broad range of human studies involving genetic or genomic questions, methods and applications (behavorial/social science, epidemiologic, clinical/translational, other laboratory studies). Our function is strictly advisory, not regulatory. We function not as a mediator, or decision-maker, but to aid investigators and administrators in analyzing and addressing ethical and social challenges faced throughout the research process (design, implementation and dissemination of genetic research) or at any point in the process. All client interactions are strictly confidential.
Services
General consultation: responding to general calls, questions, and concerns about ELSI aspects of conducting research with a genetics or genomics component.
Project-specific consultation: identifying and addressing ELSI issues specific to a particular project or program. Assisting researchers and others throughout the research process. Topics might include, but are not limited to, issues around subject recruitment, biobanking, disclosure of research results, sharing data with other investigators, description of risks and benefits in the informed consent process, dissemination of research data.
Consultation for IRB and grant applications: prior to submitting IRB and/or grant applications, the service will assist researchers by reviewing related ELSI sections and will offer comment for revisions or additions. Areas for comment may include how well the consent form describes the nature, risks and benefits of study participation in non-technical language; models for protecting privacy and confidential information (honest broker or trusted intermediary); other issues to consider- intent for secondary and future use of samples; what to do if clinically relevant information is revealed during the study, etc.
For more information or to request a consult:
Please contact us at RECS@unc.edu or call us at 919-843-3658.
Click here to download the RECS Intake Form.
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