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Unpacking the values-laden nature of risk assessment: The case of gene drive technology

Speaker: Adam Kokotovich, PhD, GES Center and FER Postdoc, NC State

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While engagement and risk assessment are frequently discussed separately for gene drive technology, how do we incorporate engagement into risk assessment itself?

Abstract

In response to advances in gene drive and gene editing technology, there have been calls for both engagement and risk assessment to inform decision making around these powerful, complex, and controversial technologies. While engagement and risk assessment are frequently discussed separately, what does it mean to incorporate engagement into risk assessment itself? How do we understand the intersection of science and values within risk assessment and what are the implications for engagement? What should we consider when designing engagement for risk assessment? This presentation will explore these questions using the case study of engagement that was conducted to inform the risk assessment of gene drive technology proposed to address the Spotted-wing Drosophila fruit fly.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Adam Kokotovich is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at NC State in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and the Genetic Engineering and Society Center. An interdisciplinary social scientist, he studies and seeks to improve decision making related to emerging technologies, invasive species, and other controversial environmental issues. One of his areas of interest is examining how to enhance risk assessment by using engagement to recognize and reflect upon the consequential values-laden judgments present within risk assessment. He also uses qualitative methods to explore how to navigate different knowledges and worldviews in decision making.