During our work at the House of Nature, we conducted several interviews to give us a picture of public opinion. The following statements came from these videos. Individual videos together with the statements can be found on our website: http://projekte.ursprung.at

Would you donate your DNA for research purposes?

“If I was sure what was going to be done with it, I was well informed about it and I understood and endorsed it, then yes. But just like that, without knowing what happens to it, definitely not.” (Anonymous, ca. 26 years old)

“Yes, I would. I would not have any serious concerns. What good could they even do with my DNA?” (Klaus O., ca. 42 years old)

“This is difficult. The question is: under what conditions? Basically, I can pretty much already imagine it.” (Harald S., ca. 36 years old)

“Not necessarily. For research, it is always a bit tricky. As long as it is being used for research in the name of science, I would certainly approve it. However, when it is being used for genetic research that distinguishes between good and bad genes and, consequently, also between good and bad people, then for evolutionary as well as ethical reasons, I would reject it. We should not be using this technology to bring about theories of race ideology.” (Michael M., ca. 17 years old)

Would you donate your DNA to our project, so that we can calculate statistics?

“It seems to be so unimportant, that I don’t think that I would do it.” (Anoymous, ca. 48 years old)

What do you think about DNA databanks? Would you donate your DNA to such databanks?

“No, not for any questionable purposes; for medicinal purposes: yes.” (Hedwig M., ca. 60 years old)

“It depends on the purpose. In principle, for a certain defined research purpose, if I knew what would happen with it and if I could be sure that the DNA data would not be used for any reason without my permission.” (Astrid R., ca. 32 years old)

“Personally, I would not give my DNA to a DNA databank. DNA databanks are advantageous for forensics experts, who use DNA analysis to study a crime scene. However, they also have the big disadvantage of making people more transparent.” (Michael M., ca. 17 years old)

“Yes, definitely.” (Anonymous)

“In principle, yes, with restrictions. The restrictions certainly lie in the fact that I do not want the data to be publicized in the form of social networking sites or something similar, such as Facebook or in a publically accessible data bank. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter to me.“ (Johannes G., ca. 53 years old)

“If it is ultimately used for research purposes: yes.” (Stefan U., ca. 29 years old)

“As long as the data is anonymous and cannot be traced back to me, then by all means.” (Anton W., ca. 35 years old)

“This is a difficult question, because I think that it has many advantages as well as disadvantages.” (Nadine H., ca. 25 years old)

„“If I don’t do it voluntarily and someone wants to use it for criminal purposes, then it could be retrieved through other means.” (Klaus O., ca. 42 years old)

“It is necessary for certain reasons, but is vulnerable to abuses and needs to be well controlled and used with care.” (Dr. Torsten K., ca. 43 years old)

“DNA data banks are certainly very important. They are very important for research, but in my opinion, must remain there. They should not be allowed to be used anywhere.” (Alois L., ca. 56 years old)

“A double-edged sword …” (Markus P., ca. 34 years old)

„I don’t know anything about DNA data banks. I can imagine that it is a highly controversial topic.” (Harald S., ca. 36 years old)

Do you have complete trust in scientists?

“In this case, yes. I personally would not have had any idea how much this data could be misused. As far as firing someone from a job for having a hereditary illness...honestly, I trust that there are some laws prohibiting this.” (Anonymous)

What do you think about our project?

“I find it very interesting and am already excited for the results.” (Markus E., ca. 37 years old)

“I think that this is a good project. First, it shows that there is diversity. Secondly, it challenges students to engage in the natural sciences and to make people aware of these things.” (Josef E., ca. 46 years old)

Why did you just donate your DNA?

“Because the project interests me and is anonymous.” (Markus E., ca. 37 years old)

Would you give out your DNA for commercial purposes?

“Under the protection of anonymity, I would also give out my DNA to a company.” (Markus E., ca. 37 years old)

“I personally don’t support this.” (Michael M., ca. 17 years old)