Latest news from gig

Find out what is happening in the world of genetics including: New genetic researches, Genetic conferences, Supporting aid activities, The latest genetic press releases and more

You can also get the latest genetic news at our live Google news page > Latest News on Genetics

 NanoMedicine?  What do you know about it? We'd like to hear your views in this short 5minute Nano Med Survey.  This is part of the Nanomed Round Table Project that GIG is participating in.

 The Medical Research Council has produced a report following the 12th of January workshop held on Patient Reasearch Outcomes Measures (PROMs): Identifying UK Research Priorities. The report is available to download on the MRC website. For more information on PROMs please also visit the MRC website.

 The Genetic Interest Group and Rare Disease UK are proud to announce that thanks to the efforts of its members, Early Day Motion 914 - which recognises and supports the work of Rare Disease UK has secured over 100 signatures. Please visit the Rare Disease UK website for more information.

 GENETIC INTEREST GROUP - Now on Facebook!

This year in the UK, Rare Disease UK and the Genetic Interest Group organised activities around International Rare Disease Day, which was on the 28th February. Three parliamentary receptions to raise the profile of rare diseases and to campaign for the development of a National Plan took place in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh. For more information and to see photos click here.

FAQ on Biobanks
To help promote understanding and to secure informed involvement with the activities of biobanks and the research they make possible, European Genetic Alliances Network(EGAN) and Roche have produced this Frequently Asked Questions leaflet.

GIG in Scotland have produced a new leaflet, Your Genes, Your Experiences.  How can patients living in Scotland get more involved in the work of GIG. For more information have a look at the leaflet or contact Claire Cotterall on claire@gig.org.uk

Genetic Interest Group in Scotland Feeds into the proposed Patients' Rights Bill
GIG in Scotland held an extremely successful patient engagement event in December to feed into the Patients' Rights: A Public Consultation on a Patients' Rights Bill for users of the NHS in Scotland.  GIGs response has now been submitted and can be read above. 

GIG's recently completed Project Ethnic Monitoring in Clinical Genetics, publishes its final report.

The Genetic Interest Group receive funding from the Big Lottery Fund.  The funding will support the Family Risks, Common Cancers and People from Minority Ethnic Groups Project. This project will begin in Summer 2009.

GIG Wins an IMPACT AWARD.  One of only 10 charities to do so out of over 400 who entered.  This award recognises small to medium sized charities for the work they carry out.  View the GIG Impact Award Video 

GIG writes to MPs: keep current abortion time limit
Most genetic conditions are only apparent at the 20 week scan
Time limit reduction could lead to increase abortions
Families will be forced into a more painful decision

Download GIG's three cartoon leaflets on HFE Bill:
Human Admixed Embyos Leaflet
PGD Leaflet
Saviour Sibling Leaflet
Here the updated information on the HFE Second Reading (12th May)

GIG & AMRC Letter to all MPs
GIG and the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) sent a letter to all MPs asking them to support the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill that is due to enter the House of Commons soon. A briefing paper was also attached.