Nik Zeps

Don't let genetic discrimination condemn the genetic revolution

TEDxPerth 2013
October 2013

Talk length:

9:13

Don't let genetic discrimination condemn the genetic revolution: Nik Zeps at TEDxPerth

Genetic research might be key to a massive leap in our ability to cure disease. Yet regulations that are aimed at protecting privacy are also impacting our ability to research this powerful branch of science.

In this talk, Dr. Nik Zeps argues that the fundamental reason why regulations should exist is not to protect information - but instead to prevent discrimination based on genetics. He argues that rather than stifling our ability to research, we should instead focus attention on overcoming all forms of discrimination based upon genetics.

Nik Zeps
Cancer Researcher, Bioethicist

Dr Zeps is a PhD scientist involved in translational research in breast, gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies. He runs a translational research program at St John of God HealthCare (SJOGHC) that includes biobanking and molecular diagnostics integrated into clinical care. He is currently developing a national strategy for research for SJOGHC as Group Research Coordinator. On top of this, Dr Zeps is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Surgery and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Western Australia and at Notre Dame Medical School. He is also a member of Research Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia and the NHMRC representative on the working group for the Global Summit of National Ethics Committees operated by the World Health Organisation and the Ethics and Policy Committee of the International Cancer Genome Consortium.