Genomics England founding partner of Only Human, an innovative new project to break down barriers people face when talking about genetics

The Only Human project looks to find new ways to start conversations about genetics that lead with human storytelling instead of technical, scientific language.
Recent studies suggest that many people distrust science surrounding genetics, and a third of the British public never discuss it with others. Based on 10 years of evidence-based research, the project aims to empower the public by starting conversations about genetics.
The first creative output of this project, a short film called ‘Liming with Gran’, seeks to break down the barriers many people face when it comes to discussing genetics and inheritance of disease using a well-known Caribbean pastime – liming.
“Scientists and doctors will often talk about genetics using technical, scientific concepts,” explains Dr Anna Middleton, Director of the Kavli Centre.
“But even the word ‘genetics’ puts many everyday people off. ‘Liming with Gran’ and the Only Human initiative aims to improve awareness and find new ways to discuss genetics. Making health information relevant, relatable and accessible helps communities and individuals.”
Liming with Gran
The film was produced by the creative agency Ketchum, and is presented by Liv Little, author and founder of the magazine gal-dem. It features the special relationship between grandmother, Jean, 84, who came to the UK from Jamaica in 1960, and her grandson, Tré, 29.
‘Liming with Gran’ spotlights the special bond between these two generations, as they are seen playing a unique game of dominoes that contain topics of conversation surrounding health and wellbeing – often a taboo subject for older generations.
For some minority groups, distrust of medical science can arise from historical, cultural and systemic challenges that many communities have faced, especially when it comes to DNA and genetics.
‘Liming with Gran’ focuses on destigmatising this subject within Caribbean families in the UK, through the Caribbean tradition of ‘liming’. This phrase refers to relaxed social activities, such as playing a game or simply talking, accompanied by food and drink. By utilising cultural practices such as this, the film shows how people can be encouraged to discuss these issues openly.
“When we talk about the difficult topics that we have shied away from for generations, magic can happen,” says Jean Williams who features in the film.
“We can start to not only understand ourselves better, but we can use that to support our future generations to live healthier and happier lives too. Being a part of this project with my grandson was such a special experience, one that I will treasure forever. I hope that this project inspires many more to open up and speak about the taboo topics. These are the conversations that are so worthwhile to have.”
For some minority groups, distrust of medical science can arise from historical, cultural and systemic challenges that many communities have faced, especially when it comes to DNA and genetics.
‘Liming with Gran’ focuses on destigmatising this subject within Caribbean families in the UK, through the Caribbean tradition of ‘liming’. This phrase refers to relaxed social activities, such as playing a game or simply talking, accompanied by food and drink. By utilising cultural practices such as this, the film shows how people can be encouraged to discuss these issues openly.
The film is part of a wider multimedia project encouraging people to be more open about their health, and particularly inherited conditions. Sets of dominoes printed with the topics of conversation seen in the film were also given to various Caribbean community spaces, from churches to barbershops.
The researchers involved in the Only Human project hope that methods such as these will make genetic health a less intimidating topic and create better support networks for it.
More information
- For more information about the Only Human project and to watch the film visit the Only Human website.
- The Only Human project is led by the Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science and the Public, University of Cambridge and involves a collaboration with Genomics England. It also has historical funding from Wellcome Connecting Science.
- All its creative outputs will be rigorously evaluated and shared across the genomics ecosystem so that best practice is widely disseminated.
- In addition to creative collaborators, a wide range of organisations, companies and researchers will be able to share and access data on public engagement with genomics.