The Roundtable on Translating Genomic-Based Research for Health was established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to provide a structured opportunity for dialogue and discussion of relevant issues related to the translation of genomic information for use in maintaining and improving health. At its first meeting, the Roundtable identified the need for a public workshop that will feature presentations and discuss strategies regarding the diffusion of innovations, with particular emphasis on what can be learned from other sectors (particularly innovations in health care) that may apply to the diffusion of genomic innovations.

An ad hoc committee will plan and hold a public workshop and invite experts in diffusion and translation of innovations from industry, academia, government, and/or advocacy groups to present data and stimulate discussion of three central questions:

1. How are innovations translated for use in health and medicine?

2. What can we learn about diffusion of innovations from different areas (e.g., medicine, economics, social science) that can be applied to genomic technology?

3. When is genomic innovation beneficial for the public's health and how should it be encouraged?

The goal of the workshop is to obtain information that can be used by the Roundtable to facilitate its future discussions and interactions around the issue of translation of genomic-based research for health. An individually-authored summary of the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur.