Finally, whether or not studies or sample storage are “large-scale” in the sense of drawing on a large number of participants, the speed at which genomic science has advanced means that genomic information is increasingly “large-scale” in its quantity, scope, and implications. Several ELSI Congress panels addressed issues related to ownership, sharing, and identifiability of genomic data. Although researchers regard samples and information as valuable resources, their understanding of who owns these resources and what is entailed by that ownership is often vague [B-5]. Researchers have also expressed concern that patenting practices are creating “patent thickets” that inhibit the development of new genetic diagnostic tools [B-5].
