Exploring the ethical and social implications of genetic research on behavior and traits.

A Multi-stakeholder Approach to the ELSI of Social and Behavioral Genomics: Investigating the Field's Downstream Implications to Mitigate Harms, Promote Benefits, and Locate Social Responsibility

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11030238

This study is looking at how our genes might affect things like education and behavior, and it wants to hear from people like researchers, teachers, and parents to understand the good and bad sides of using this genetic information, so we can make better rules and practices for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030238 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the ethical, social, and policy implications of social and behavioral genomics (SBG), which examines how genetic differences influence traits like educational attainment and behavior. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders—including researchers, educators, and parents—this project aims to understand the potential harms and benefits of SBG. The research will involve in-depth interviews to gather insights on how to mitigate risks and promote positive outcomes associated with genetic testing. The findings could inform policies and practices surrounding the use of genetic data in society.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals interested in the implications of genetic testing on education and behavior, as well as those who have undergone genetic testing.

Not a fit: Patients who are not engaged in or affected by genetic testing or its implications may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better policies that protect individuals from potential harms while maximizing the benefits of genetic information.

How similar studies have performed: While the field of social and behavioral genomics is emerging, there is limited prior research specifically addressing the ethical and social implications, making this approach relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.