Public health genomics has come of age. Government reports such as Building On Our Inheritance and Innovation, Health and Wealth, together with the growth in genomics and translational research show how UK public policy is embracing the translation agenda.
When we started our work 15 years ago, genetics research had yet to filter into the consciousness of policy makers and the general public. However, the Human Genome Project was gaining significant momentum, challenging us all to change the way we think about health and healthcare. The time was ripe to take stock of what genomics and molecular biology had to offer the practice of public health; and to consider the capacity building necessary to prepare the NHS and wider society for the opportunities that would be presented by the emerging science of genomics.
