Mission

Geneforum was established to ensure that the decisions about genetic research and biotechnology are informed by public values. Geneforum's approach is similar to the widely respected and extensively field-tested model of public engagement created by Oregon Health Decisions in the 1980s. Geneforum is a nonprofit organization which is in the process of being affiliated with the Portland State University Foundation.

Core Values

The following core beliefs guide Geneforum's activities:

1. The health of a democratic society depends on citizen participation in the development of public policies.
2. Policy decisions will result in better outcomes if they are grounded in both public values and scientific knowledge.
3. Informed dialogue leads to better understanding, consensus building and a more stable environment for science, medicine, and healthcare.

The Geneforum Model

Public Education: To increase the capacity of citizens to understand the impact and relevance of genetics to their lives. Scientific facts are the foundation by which Geneforum explains and conveys these issues to the general public.

Public Dialogue: To increase public participation. Geneforum promotes dialogue with the public using techniques that include an interactive Web site, partnerships with the media, public forums, community presentations, academic partnerships, and research. As a result, citizens are better able to understand, influence public policy and make informed decisions about the complex social and ethical dimensions surrounding genetic research and biotechnology.

Public Consultation: To inform key stakeholders through the measurement and monitoring of public values. Using its online and offline resources, Geneforum obtains and transmits values held by the public to policy makers, scientists, and healthcare practitioners.