Decoding Genetic Studies from Pakistan - A Review of International, Regional and Local Guidelines and Compliance.

I conducted research for my Masters thesis to explore, identify and examine ethical guidelines available for genetic studies and to then analyse and describe the extent to which researchers in Pakistan, comply with existing ethical standards specified for genetic research. I report in my thesis that there are no guidelines for genetic research, gene therapy or gene editing in Pakistan.

I also found some other patterns in the studies reviewed that I would like to present in the form of a publication in a peer reviewed journal as I feel they will provide a foundation of behavioural practises of researchers in Pakistan.

I would also like to use the findings as a starting point to develop and propose guidelines for researchers for genetic research, gene therapy and gene editing in Pakistan.

I want to propose guidelines that can be incorporated effectively into practise for which I will need to identify effective training, implementation and monitoring of the guidelines. Key goals: 1. Develop a better understanding of the ethical review process of international collaborations in the UK 2.

Produce a draft of a paper for submission to a peer reviewed journal 3. Propose an outline of guidelines for researchers in Pakistan