History of the Joint Degree Program and Consortium

In 1998, the Human Genome Project was well under way, stem cell controversy was raging, and the reality of global warming was still in debate. It was clear that 21st century problems would cross traditional disciplinary lines and demand a new kind of thinker, deeply versed in multiple disciplines. As yet, however, no university had risen to this challenge. As a major public research institution with enormous faculty strength in the biomedical and life sciences, law, and bioethics, the University of Minnesota determined to create a new kind of training program, research capability, and public dialogue. A University-wide working group met in 1998-99, crafting a proposal for a Joint Degree Program in Law, Health & the Life Sciences. In June 1999, the University's Regents approved the program, formed by the Law School and Graduate School, to offer joint degrees in law and science policy, health services research, molecular biology, pharmacology, ecology, conservation biology, and environmental health. In doing so, we linked colleges, programs, and faculty in a trailblazing interdisciplinary effort. We enrolled our first student in the Fall of 1999.

Within a year, it was clear we needed to go even further. In the Summer of 2000, we created a University-wide Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences. The Consortium linked 11 top centers and programs at the University to seek grants for original research; sponsor major national programs debating cutting-edge issues at the intersection of science, law, and policy; and award funds for research on the societal implications of the life sciences. We (together with the Center for Bioethics) were rapidly awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to formulate recommendations on genetic testing and disability insurance. We sponsored our first national conference on gene patenting. We gave away over $50,000 in our first year to fund intramural research.

Ten years later, our accomplishments have exceeded all expectations. The Joint Degree Program and Consortium now cross all colleges at the University of Minnesota. As of Fall 2009, the Joint Degree Program offered 23 degree combinations and boasts 37 gifted students. The Consortium has expanded to 18 member centers, including the Center for Bioethics, Stem Cell Institute, Biomedical Genomics Center, Institute on the Environment, and Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy. We have received grants from NIH, the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), Robina LaPPS Research Funding, MacArthur Foundation Law and Neuroscience Project, and The Greenwall Foundation, publishing groundbreaking research findings and recommendations. The Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology continues to rise in the Washington and Lee University School of Law rankings for law journals. We have awarded over $700,000 in intramural grants. The University of Minnesota has become the leading institution pioneering interdisciplinary training and research on the societal implications of the life sciences.