Introduction

The Estonian human Genome Project (EGP) was launched in 1999, with a far-reaching ambition to create a national genetic database comprising samples of virtually the whole population. Though the gene researchers have enjoyed a long-standing high reputation in Estonian society, the idea of a nationwide gene bank constituted what could be called the first ‘gene issue’ catching the attention of the wider public, characterized by low-level personal experience of the existing applications. Before and during the launch of the EGP, which was regulated by a separate legal act, there was a limited debate over the issue but it did not reach beyond a limited scientific community. In addition to generally low public awareness, there exists very little research into public attitudes towards genetics or genetics-based medicine. It is confined to studies of the awareness and support for the EGP project financed by the EGP itself.

Under such circumstances it seemed necessary, in the design of the survey, to collect some information on general attitudes towards science and technology, as well as to formulate questions concerning people's hopes and fears in respect to gene research and technology with reference to the EGP. In order to achieve as much representativeness as possible, the survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 917 respondents.

General attitudes towards genetic research

The results of the survey show that, compared to Western societies, the Estonian population at large shares a rather optimistic view of recent developments in science and technology.