A Framework for Genomic Newborn Screening Symposium on Final Results of the NEW_LIVES Project (“Genomic Newborn Screening Programs – Legal Implications, Value, Ethics and Society”): Heidelberg University Hospital

NEW_LIVES final symposium

July, 18, 2025 | International symposium at Heidelberg University

Should the genetic material of all newborns be sequenced? A multidimensional framework for a genomic newborn screening program.

What are the medical, ethical, legal, and societal opportunities and challenges associated with a genomic newborn screening program? On July 18, 2025, the NEW_LIVES research group hosted a concluding symposium at Marsilius-Kolleg (a place for interdisciplinary exchange at Heidelberg University) in Heidelberg. Online participation was also possible. The focus was on an interdisciplinary Framework for a Medically Responsible, Psychologically Informed, Ethically Reflective, and Legally Sound Genomic Newborn Screening Program.

The symposium brought together perspectives from the fields of medical ethics, law, human genetics, pediatrics and adolescent medicine, medical psychology, and patient advocacy.

The event was aimed at experts from the fields of ethics, medicine, law, psychology, and social sciences, as well as interested members of the public, the media, politicians, and civil society.

Location: Marsilius Kolleg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.1, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

Date: Friday, July 18, 2025

11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Conference
6:00 p.m.: Panel discussion

(A detailed program of the conference is available here.)