HeLEX: Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies

The Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX) was established in October 2009, and has been part of the Faculty of Law since August 2019. Our research seeks to identify appropriate legal and governance frameworks for emerging technologies that have the potential to transform, or disrupt, healthcare and medicine. HeLEX uses an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating methods of investigation and analysis from legal scholarship and the social sciences, with a commitment to public and patient engagement and outreach. Our aim is to support societally responsible innovation that engages with and responds to the needs and concerns of multiple stakeholders, meets its legal obligations, and gives due consideration to the public interest and the needs of future generations.

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Project

AIDE Project: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for All: Towards Designing a Platform for Sustainable Stakeholder Engagement

funded by the ESRC from Jan 2020 to Dec 2022

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Governance of Health Data in Cyberspace

In the 21st century, successful healthcare delivery and medical research are increasingly dependent...

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Biomodifying Technologies

Biomodifying technologies and experimental space: organisational and regulatory implications for...

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BioGOV: Governing Biomodification in the Life Sciences

New technologies allow accurate modification of DNA, transformation of skin or hair cells into stem...

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Dynamic Consent

We are running a number of focus groups as part of the EnCoRe project to talk about ways that...

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ELSI 2.0

A New Initiative for Genomics Policy and Society ELSI 2.0 aims to stimulate creativity,...

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DIRECT

DIRECT (DIabetes REsearCh on patient straTification) is a consortium looking at personalized...

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The Waiting Room Project

The ‘Waiting Room Project’ aims to inform people in clinical waiting rooms about medical research,...

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Embedding Biobanks as Tools for Translational Research

The core aim of this research proposal is to identify the changes in practice, protocols, policy...

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CitizenHealthOxford

This online, data-sharing community will survey citizens to find out their opinions on topics that...

The technologies that we are currently investigating include Big Data analytic techniques, artificial intelligence, and other means of predicting and modelling disease, and novel means of biological modification such as 3D bio-printing, stem cells and CRISPR mediated genetic modification. As well as leading our own cutting-edge projects, we also draw on our experience of integration in large scientific projects from conception to dissemination. This enables us to keep pace with current developments in health research and develop practical solutions that are based on sound empirical and legal scholarship. Our findings are used to provide informed advice and support, and also provide a basis for teaching. We provide input to develop best practice and improved governance mechanisms that have application at both local and international levels, as well as making a significant contribution to academic scholarship in this field.

Our Funders

Helex_wellcome Helex_EPSRC Helex_IMI