The 50th anniversary of the discovery by Watson and Crick of the 'secret of life' in the form of the structure of DNA has been marked by major international celebrations. In the decades that followed biological scientists metamorphosed into genetic and then genomic scientists. Developments in computer technology enabled the Human Genome Project to undertake rapid sequencing of the human genome. Clinicians and major international corporations alike have become dependent upon this technology. In the UK the government has invested heavily in genetics and genomics. The perceived importance of these developments can be seen from this being one of those areas signalled out for particular attention by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2000. One of the Task Forces in the DTI Health Panel charged with ascertaining trends over the next 20 years with the aim of this feeding into public funding of research in health issues was that of 'The Promise of the Human Genome'. Government funding has been poured into the establishment of gene-parks at five national centres which are involved in education and research relating to the genome. Public attention has again been focused on genetics through the publication of the Genetic White Paper in summer 2003. Genetic science has undoubtedly incredible potential to reveal vast amounts of information regarding an individual's current health and the risks that in the future they may develop disease and disability. Particular scientific value can be derived from aggregating holdings of such information in the form of, for example, major population genetic databases.
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