Biomedical Knowledge Production in Tissue Economies

The relationship between the research subject and
the doctor has always been fundamental to medical
research. Since the 1990s, important changes have
been taking place in relation to the biomedical use
of human tissue sample collections or biobanks.
This book explores the changing relationship between
the sources and users of tissue samples gained from
research subjects by examining the contexts under
which these samples and the information that is
extracted from and connected to them, are acquired,
circulated and exchanged in Finland. The research
explores how individual rights, particularly
informed consent and autonomy, are being re-
configured in relation to the production of
scientific knowledge in tissue economies. The
research shows how interpretations of informed
consent and autonomy have become divergent, and
examines the elements and processes that have
contributed to these differences.

Autorentext

Aaro Tupasela works as a researcher at the Department of Sociology, University of Helsinki. His research interests focus on the scientific systems of knowledge production and its regulation.

Klappentext

The relationship between the research subject and the doctor has always been fundamental to medical research. Since the 1990s, important changes have been taking place in relation to the biomedical use of human tissue sample collections or biobanks. This book explores the changing relationship between the sources and users of tissue samples gained from research subjects by examining the contexts under which these samples and the information that is extracted from and connected to them, are acquired, circulated and exchanged in Finland. The research explores how individual rights, particularly informed consent and autonomy, are being re-configured in relation to the production of scientific knowledge in tissue economies. The research shows how interpretations of informed consent and autonomy have become divergent, and examines the elements and processes that have contributed to these differences.