HeLEX is an interdisciplinary research centre, based at the Department of Public Health at the University of Oxford.

The centre specialises in investigating the relationships between law, ethics, and practice in the area of emerging technologies in health. Its main research focus is on genomics and genetics, with developing interests in other disciplines including synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and stem cell research. Research at HeLEX will increase understanding of how the use and impact of innovative technologies in health can be accommodated within existing legal and governance frameworks, and the extent to which such frameworks may need to evolve. Our current research focuses on genomics with an emphasis on biobanks, privacy, data-sharing frameworks, global governance and translational research.  

Our Annual Review from 2010 is available here.

Methodology and Key Themes

We have an interdisciplinary approach that uses tools and methods of investigation and analysis from the disciplines of law, philosophy and sociology. The use of empirical research enables us to understand current and emerging practice in medical research and clinical practice. Our analysis of legal requirements and regulatory environments provides a basis for understanding how emerging technologies may be accommodated within these existing frameworks. It also identifies the areas where change is required in order to deal with the particular issues and circumstances raised by emerging technologies. A philosophical analysis enables us carry out an analysis of the normative principles that exist, or need to be developed for emerging technologies. It is by combining the results of these investigations that it is possible to generate insights for more effective policy making. Any recommendations developed from our research are legally compliant, based on sound ethical principles and grounded in an understanding of current practice.

The key themes that run through our current research are:

• Understanding the relationship between law and practice
• Global research governance
• Protecting privacy and the interests of patients and research participants
• Data sharing

Oxford Bioethics Network

HeLEX is a member of The Oxford Bioethics Network, which brings together 42 academics and 11 postdoctoral students working on the ethical, legal and social aspects of healthcare developments across the University's divisional borders from a total of seven research centres.

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HeLEX's Research, Mission, Projects and Collaborations

Strongly interdisciplinary, HeLEX researches law, policy and practice in the governance of health and emerging technologies. Our current research profile focuses on global governance issues in genetics and genomics with emphasis on privacy protections, data sharing frameworks, and translational medicine.

Mission

Healthcare technologies are developing rapidly, and increasingly have the ability to investigate, decode and manipulate our genes. Yet there has been little in-depth discussion about the potential benefits and risks of such technologies, and how to manage them through regulation in an increasingly globalised society. The centre, based at the Department of Public Health, and with close links to law, politics and philosophy will consider how we can ensure these technologies are properly managed within the UK and worldwide.

Funding

HeLEX is funded through individual research grants and  projects. Our funding bodies are the Wellcome Trust, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Technology Strategy Board and the Economic and Social Research Council. We are grateful to all our funders.

 HeLEX establishment press release (October 2009)