Genetic data ownership is the topic of a free lecture at the Bermuda College today, featuring the head of the world’s largest user-owned genomics database.

The lecture is to feature Aldo de Pape, chief executive of Genomes.io.

It marks the second free lecture brought by CariGenetics, a Caribbean genetics research firm founded by Bermudian scientist Carika Weldon.

Mr de Pape’s talk starts at 6.30pm in the Athene Lecture Hall. It will cover the changing parameters of DNA data ownership.

"We live in a rapidly evolving world that is becoming more digital by the day,“ he said.

“Even though many of such technological changes offer great new insights and advantages to us, it also requires a new understanding on when and how to apply new digital tools so we can genuinely use them to our optimal benefit.

“One of the core assets in this entire digital evolution is your data and what people can do with it.”

He added: “This is vital to know – especially when it comes to the most private piece of information you own: your genomic data – DNA – the blueprint to who you are. I am very much looking forward to this lecture and cannot wait to exchange ideas with you."

Dr Weldon said: "When I was born in 1990, the Human Genome Project, the first time all DNA data in humans was decoded, had not yet started.

“By the time I was 13, in 2003, the first human genome reference was completed.”

She said the firm 23andMe was founded three years later, bringing access of DNA data to the average person.

“Now in 2023, anyone can find their ancestry and get their entire genome sequenced for under $1,000,” she said.

“My entire lifetime has seen the transformation of DNA and its easy access by us all. Who owns your DNA data and how to secure it is of utmost importance and we believe educating the Bermudian public on what to consider when thinking of their DNA data ownership in this digital world.”

The lecture will also be live streamed via CariGenetics’ Facebook page.