Recommendations from "Statement on Gene Therapy Research" initiated by HUGO in 2001 include: A. Recognizes the particular need for public oversight and ongoing review of somatic gene therapy research; recommends that countries ensure that they have a national ethics body that includes in its mandate somatic gene therapy; supports continuation of somatic gene therapy research that conforms to this Statement. B. Urges researchers, professional organizations, sponsors & governments to listen and respond to public concerns about the benefits, risks & ethical conduct of somatic gene therapy research; recommends that all research be subject to stringent quality & safety controls and be in conformity with international ethical norms. C. Recommends that material conflicts of interest be identified, declared & addressed in the most transparent way possible, in particular to persons who are the subjects of research; proposes that schemes of indemnity for harms directly incurred by participants & others as a consequence of research should be established. D. Recognizes the important role of both researchers & the media in reporting on the developments in gene therapy research in a responsible and informative manner; calls for widespread discussion on the appropriateness of the possible future use of gene transfer technology for enhancement & for germ-line interventions.