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RERF Holds International Symposium on Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) regarding Return of Results for Genome Studies of Atomic Bomb Survivors

Over the two days of December 12 and 13th, 2024, RERF hosted an International Symposium on ELSI regarding Return of Results for Genome Studies of Atomic Bomb Survivors at the organization’s Hiroshima Laboratory.

The symposium brought together experts in bioethics and genomic sciences from both Japan and overseas. Active discussions took place concerning relevant ethical issues and methods for the return of genomic data to research participants in RERF’s genome studies of A-bomb survivors.

Symposium Overview
The symposium showcased the latest global trends in genomic research, with a special focus on RERF’s studies, as well as RERF’s efforts to widely share its research plans and findings with the general public. Additionally, there were extensive deliberations about how any relevant genetic information uncovered through RERF’s genome studies could be utilized by research participants for their own health management.

This symposium provided a valuable opportunity to hear from leading experts in a variety of fields, marking a significant milestone for RERF.

National and International Expert Participants

Dr. Kenichi Arita Medical doctor, Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Nursing Home Funairi Mutsumi-en, and Mihara Red Cross Hospital
Dr. Yvonne Bombard Professor and Canada Research Chair in Genomics Health Services and Policy, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
Dr. Shigeru Katamine Former President, Nagasaki University
Dr. Kazuto Kato Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
Dr. Junji Kayukawa Associate Professor, Social System Design Department, Eikei University of Hiroshima
Dr. Yoshiya Shimada President, Institute for Environmental Sciences
Dr. Douglas Stewart Senior Investigator, National Cancer Institute
Dr. David T. Miller Director, Neurofibromatosis Research Initiative, and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital
Dr. Chikashi Terao Team Leader, Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN
Dr. Hidewaki Nakagawa Team Leader, Laboratory for Cancer Genomics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN
Dr. Fuji Nagami Professor, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University
Dr. Takao Hinoi Professor, Department of Genetic Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital
Dr. Kiyonori Miura Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University
Dr. Kaori Muto Team Leader, Laboratory of Biomedical Ethics and Co-design, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, and Professor, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo
Ms. Megan Frone M.S., C.G.C., Genetic Counselor, National Cancer Institute
Dr. Leslie G. Biesecker Director, Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH


A total of 35 people were in attendance, including RERF researchers. (In alphabetical order, titles omitted)

Press Conference
Following the symposium, a press conference was held with eight media outlets, which reported on the outcomes of the symposium and future outlook. The symposium offered a pivotal opportunity to enhance the understanding of genomic research and related ethical issues, and to discuss methods for returning data to the study participants. RERF remains fully committed to upholding research transparency and ethical standards while working to further contribute to society.

Scene at press conference