HeLEX: Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies

The Centre specialises in investigating the relationships between law, ethics, and practice in the area of emerging technologies in health, and honing those relationships to facilitate effective translational outcomes. We investigate areas where new technologies are having a significant impact, such as the use of next generation sequencing technologies in the clinic and big data approaches in research. To address these complex issues we carry out interdisciplinary research drawing on tools from law, philosophy and the social sciences with the aim of improving or guiding evolving practice.

Established in 2009

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Project

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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Biomodifying Technologies

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

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

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

The ‘Waiting Room Project’ aims to inform people in clinical waiting rooms about medical research,...
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ELSI 2.0

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


Registration and Call for Abstracts open for the
'Future Health and New Technologies: Opportunities and Responsibilities' Conference

Research at HeLEX increases 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 research is embedded in scientific practice ranging from whole genome sequencing to stem cell development and biobanking.  We specialise in practical solutions, developing best practice and new forms of project governance by being integrated in cutting-edge scientific projects from conception to dissemination. Our advice is based upon evidence-based research, academic scholarship, ethical and legal analysis and experience and understanding of emerging trends in medical research. We use this research and knowledge to provide advice, support and teaching, and as a basis for input into policy deliberations. 

Our current international research focuses on the governance of research infrastructures such as biobanks, information law, privacy, data-sharing frameworks, global governance, personalised medicine, and translational research.

Publications