Genome of Europe launched public awareness survey on genomics across five EU countries

Genome of Europe launched public awareness survey on genomics across five EU countries

Genome of Europe launched public awareness survey
on genomics across five EU countries

The Genome of Europe (GoE) – co-funded by the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme (101168231) – is a pan-European research project uniting 27 countries to create a comprehensive reference database of genetic data from people of diverse ancestries living across Europe. This reference data is crucial for developing fair and effective personalized medicine accessible to all European citizens, regardless of their background.
The GoE is building a European reference genome that will help unlock new advances in medicine and benefit public health policy. The project will establish the first pan-European reference database consisting of 100,000 genomes, which will reflect the genetic and ancestral diversity of Europe to boost developments in personalized medicine and prevention. A public awareness survey has been launched across five European countries (Estonia, France, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia) to assess citizens’ understanding and attitudes towards genetics and genomics-based personalized medicine. The survey is part of a wider scientific and societal effort to ensure that all Europeans can benefit from the promises of modern genomic medicine. In addition to building genomic reference cohorts, the project seeks to raise public awareness and engage key stakeholders on the benefits and implications of genomics-based healthcare through various communication activities.

Prof. Andres Metspalu, University of Tartu, Institute of Genomics
©University of Tartu, Institute of Genomics, author Alejandro Roa

This survey plays a key role in shaping those efforts. ” There is an increasing interest in genetics and personalized medicine across Europe, driven by advancements in genomic research and technology. We are polling people in 5 member countries to address the relevant communication more precisely. If people do not understand what personalized medicine is and how it would improve healthcare in the coming years, they are not going to use it“, said Prof. Andres Metspalu, Professor of Genomics and Biobanking at the University of Tartu and Coordinator of the Genome of Europe WP7. The survey’s primary objective is to evaluate public knowledge of genetics and attitudes toward using genomics in personalized healthcare across different European regions. The results will help identify knowledge gaps, misunderstandings, or ethical concerns and guide future communication and engagement strategies. The survey is conducted in two phases: the first in the early stages of the project (2025), and the second just before its conclusion in 2028.

21/06/2025