Final Call for submissions: Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of genomic research
Published in Social Sciences, Genetics & Genomics, and Public Health
What is this collection about?
This Collection focuses on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research as the field rapidly evolves. It explores issues such as data governance, consent, access, equity, emerging technologies, and policy implications for public health and medical care. Submissions close on 04 June 2026.
Why is this collection important?
Genomic research is increasingly shaping clinical care, public health programmes, and society at large. While its potential benefits are significant, new technologies and data practices raise complex questions about fairness, trust, accountability, and long‑term impact. Addressing these challenges is essential if genomics is to improve health outcomes responsibly and equitably.
This Collection is timely because it brings ethical, legal, and social perspectives into direct conversation with scientific and policy innovation. It offers a dedicated forum for research that can inform governance, guide best practice, and shape public dialogue around genomic technologies. Researchers should submit to this Collection to ensure their work reaches a multidisciplinary audience engaged with both the opportunities and the responsibilities of genomic research, and to contribute to evidence that can influence policy, practice, and future research directions.
This Collection also supports research aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well‑being, by promoting responsible, inclusive approaches to genomic science.
Why submit to a collection?
Collections like this one help promote high‑quality science. They are led by Guest Editors and In‑House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one‑stop shop on a cutting‑edge topic of interest.
Who is involved?
- Nanibaa' Garrison, PhD, University of California, USA
- Bartha Maria Knoppers, PhD, AdE, OC, OQ, FRSC, FCAHS McGill University, Canada
- Eric Meslin, PhD, FRSC, FCAHS, ICDD University of Toronto, Canada
How can I submit my paper?
Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.
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BMC Medical Genomics
An open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in all aspects of functional genetics and genomics, genome structure, genome-scale population genetics, epigenetics and epigenomics, proteomics, systems analysis, and pharmacogenomics in relation to human health and disease.
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This collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
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Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of genomic research
BMC Medical Genomics is calling for submissions to our Collection on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of genomic research.
Genomic research continues to hold immense potential to transform medicine and public health while still presenting new ethical, legal, and social challenges.
ELSI research historically centered on issues including privacy, access, informed consent, and the risk of genetic discrimination. While these issues are still of concern, new challenges are emerging: innovations in genomic data sharing, diagnostics, and screening; new approaches for governance and oversight of research; and an increased attention to health disparities and to the proverbial threat of the possible misuse of personal genetic information. New technologies such as gene editing and gene drive, and the impact of epigenetics on future generations remain open questions. Socially, the integration of genomic technologies is also shaping public perceptions, increasing reproductive and lifestyle choices, and influencing public health screening programs.
These are some of the issues that will require ELSI attention, but so too will discussions of broader policy challenges and impediments to progress if genomics is to lead to improved health outcomes and more effective medical treatments.
This Collection aims to critically examine the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research. We invite submissions that explore the integration of ELSI into genomic research as well as the policy implications for public health programs and medical care.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Sep 04, 2026
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