This episode of ByteSight features Simeón Baker, Executive Director of External Affairs at Genomics England and a key figure shaping the UK’s national genomics strategy. With a career that spans government affairs, ethics, public engagement, and the governance of genomic data, Simeón brings a systems-level understanding of how genomics moves from research and policy into real-world implementation.
In this conversation, we explore the intersection of genomics, public policy, and trust; what happens when nations begin to treat genomic data as critical infrastructure, how the UK is navigating large-scale programs such as newborn sequencing and pharmacogenomics, and why the stakes are higher than ever when it comes to data governance. From the promise of preventative medicine to the fragility of public confidence, this episode takes a candid look at what it really means for policy to meet DNA.
About Simeón Baker
Simeón Baker is Executive Director of External Affairs at Genomics England and sits on the Genomics England Executive Leadership Team as SRO for engagement, ethics, equity, communications, assurance and data protection. Additionally, Simeón is an experienced non-executive director and board advisor, working primarily in the health, biotech and life sciences sectors, providing specialist counsel on engagement, strategy, reputation, risk, communications, media, crisis and government affairs.
Simeón has an MSc in Health Equity and Sustainability from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, where he is a guest lecturer, with a special interest in health equity and threats to global health and security. He is a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders and a member of both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations & Communications Association in the UK
Building National Genomics: Policy, Vision, and Infrastructure
Simeón and Manasi discuss how the UK has become a global leader in population genomics, powered by a combination of political will, sustained investment, and strong cross-sector collaboration. With initiatives such as newborn genome sequencing and pharmacogenomics research, the UK is actively shaping a future where genomics supports predictive and preventative healthcare rather than reactive treatment.
Simeón emphasizes a crucial point: current health systems are not sustainable. Genomics offers a path to earlier diagnosis, more targeted interventions, and reduced strain on healthcare resources. With projections that genomics could play a role in up to half of all health encounters by 2035, the episode explores how national strategy, policy frameworks, and shared infrastructure are laying the foundation for this transformation.
Trust, Ethics, and the Real Stakes of Genomic Data
A recurring theme in this episode is the centrality of trust. Genomic data is personal, powerful, and sensitive, and its use depends entirely on whether people believe their information is being handled ethically and transparently. Simeón describes why engagement, ethics, and equity must guide every decision, program, and policy in genomics.
He highlights one of the biggest risks the ecosystem faces:
It only takes one of us in the ecosystem to fail or make a huge error to affect the trust that people have in all of us. - Simeón Baker
The conversation dives into the complexities of consent models, the challenges of international data sharing, and the shared responsibility across countries and institutions to maintain public trust. In a field where one misstep can shape public perception globally, ethical governance is not optional; it is foundational.
Final Takeaway
For Simeón Baker, the future of genomics depends not only on scientific progress or political ambition but on relationships, transparency, and collective responsibility. As genomics becomes embedded in national health systems, the question is no longer whether we can scale genomic programs, but whether we can do so without compromising trust.
His message is clear: if genomics is to fulfil its promise and serve everyone equitably, engagement, ethics, and equity cannot be checkboxes; they must be the backbone of every decision we make. Only then can genomic data become a force for better, fairer healthcare worldwide.
Learn more about Simeón Baker
