GoodWork in Genetics

Over the past forty years new technologies in the biological sciences, and in genetics in
particular, have revolutionized the domain. While opportunities abound in the domain, the
rapid pace of change and innovation also poses unique challenges and tensions for scientists.
We studied scientists in three different age groups to see how such changes affect different
generations. Our Project on GoodWork in Genetics consisted of the following threads:

Veteran Geneticists study (1998-2001): We interviewed 56 individuals between
the ages of 35 and 80, including: 21 PhD researchers, 14 MD researchers, 14
industry researchers, and 7 clinical researchers.

Young Geneticists study (1998-99): As part of the Young Professionals Project,
we interviewed 21 individuals between the ages of 21-34. In another phase
(May 2000–October 2000), we interviewed 12 young scientists between the
ages of 15-21.

Lineages in Genetics (1998-2000): As part of our Transmission of Excellence
Project, we interviewed three generations of geneticists.

Making Good: How Young People Cope with Moral Dilemmas at Work by Wendy Fischman,
Becca Solomon, Deborah Greenspan, and Howard Gardner (2004)

Good Work: When Excellence and Ethics Meet by Howard Gardner, William Damon,
and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (2001)

“Memes,” “Genes,” and “Scenes”: A Comparison of Veteran Professionals Working in
Journalism, Genetics, and Theater. (January, 2004)

GoodWork Among Young Professional Actors, Journalists, and Geneticists. (October, 2002)

GoodWork Among Dedicated Young Professionals (July, 2000)

The GoodWork Project in Genetics was funded by the Carnegie Corporation, the Christian
A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett
Foundation, the Louise and Claude Rosenberg Jr. Family Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation.