Fostering Responsible Research on Ancient DNA

Jennifer K Wagner; Chip Colwell; Katrina G Claw; Anne C Stone; Deborah A Bolnick; John Hawks; Kyle B Brothers; Nanibaa' A Garrison

doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.06.017

Fostering Responsible Research on Ancient DNA

Am J Hum Genet. 2020 Aug 6;107(2):183-195. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.06.017.

Authors

Jennifer K Wagner¹, Chip Colwell², Katrina G Claw³, Anne C Stone⁴, Deborah A Bolnick⁵, John Hawks⁶, Kyle B Brothers⁷, Nanibaa' A Garrison⁸

Affiliations

¹ Professional Practice and Social Implications Committee (formerly the Social Issues Committee), American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Center for Translational Bioethics and Health Care Policy, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17822, USA. Electronic address: jwagner1@geisinger.edu.
² Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Anthropology, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, CO 80205, USA.
³ Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
⁴ Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
⁵ Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
⁶ Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
⁷ Professional Practice and Social Implications Committee (formerly the Social Issues Committee), American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
⁸ Professional Practice and Social Implications Committee (formerly the Social Issues Committee), American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Responsible Ancient DNA Research Working Group, American Society of Human Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Institute for Precision Health, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.

Abstract

Anticipating and addressing the social implications of scientific work is a fundamental responsibility of all scientists. However, expectations for ethically sound practices can evolve over time as the implications of science come to be better understood. Contemporary researchers who work with ancient human remains, including those who conduct ancient DNA research, face precisely this challenge as it becomes clear that practices such as community engagement are needed to address the important social implications of this work. To foster and promote ethical engagement between researchers and communities, we offer five practical recommendations for ancient DNA researchers: (1) formally consult with communities; (2) address cultural and ethical considerations; (3) engage communities and support capacity building; (4) develop plans to report results and manage data; and (5) develop plans for long-term responsibility and stewardship. Ultimately, every member of a research team has an important role in fostering ethical research on ancient DNA.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
DNA, Ancient / analysis*
Foster Home Care
Humans

Substances

DNA, Ancient

Grants and funding

K01 HG008818/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States