GE3LS

An important goal within GrapeGen is to evaluate the ethical, environmental, economic, legal, and social (GE3LS) ramifications of the ongoing research and its potential applications. GrapeGen is committed to internal monitoring of any ethical issue pertaining the experiments performed in the lab and the conscience of scientists carrying out the work. Genoma España and Genome Canada support this activity by providing access to an Ethics Advisory Committee and employing scientists in Vancouver and Madrid committed to GE3LS activities. GE and GC also emphasize and promote training opportunities for existing investigators and young scientists in Canada and Spain.

It is of paramount importance to GrapeGen scientists as well as GE, GC, and Genome BC that there is a high level of outreach and ethical transparency of the Project to the public. As such, GE, GC, and Genome BC emphasize the importance of linking scientists and their research with the public. This is done through the use of media such as this website and public seminars and discussion forums.

GrapeGen presents an opportunity to generate intellectual property for the partner institutions, agencies and industries. In cooperation with the academic and government scientists and institutions in Spain and Canada, GC and GE strive to maintain a balance between public dissemination of data and protection of potential intellectual property.

The production of genetically modified (GM) plants is a potential outcome of agricultural genomics research. Production of GM grape cultivars for the wine and table grape industries is not a goal of GrapeGen. GrapeGen uses GM technology strictly for experimental purposes. GM vines are maintained in secure laboratory and/or greenhouse space in full compliance with each country's regulatory framework.