Funders of the National Academy of Sciences consensus study Gene Drives on the Horizon (2016) have published a response to the report in the December 2017 issue of Science.
The study summarized “current understanding of the scientific discoveries related to gene drives and their accompanying ethical, legal, and social implications,” and was co-authored by Dr. Jason Delborne, associate professor of science, policy and society in the College of Natural Resources and executive committee member of the GES Center.
The response in Science focuses on the responsibilities of funders outlined in the study, such as promoting stewardship and good governance, demonstrating transparency and accountability, and engaging thoughtfully with affected communities, stakeholders, and publics.
“Effective public engagement, underpinned by transparent dialogue around both the potential benefits and risks, is critical for enabling well-informed public discussion and debate that is free from the type of sensational hype that has framed new technology in the past.”
The sponsors of the study included The Institute on Ethics and Policy for Innovation at McMaster University, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, the Wellcome Trust, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Read the full article at Science Magazine
Gene Drive Study Resources
- Download the Gene Drive Study
- Download Gene Drive Briefing Slides
- Read the NAS Gene Drive Study press release
- Watch the June 2016 press briefing