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Isabelle Coche – Turning the corner: What does the IUCN rejection of a moratorium mean for gene drive research? | GES Colloquium (Zoom)
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Turning the corner: What does the IUCN rejection of a moratorium mean for gene drive research?
Zoom ONLY | At the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, a proposal to establish a moratorium on gene drive research failed to pass—nearly a decade after the first calls for such a moratorium emerged. Does this outcome signal a shift in global debates over gene drive technologies? This talk will trace how discussions within the IUCN and other international policy arenas have evolved over the past ten years, offering reflections on what this moment reveals about the future of gene drive governance and public discourse.
Related Links:
- IUCN World Conservation Congress
- Conservationists clash over the use of synthetic biology, C&EN News, 10/16/2025
- Download seminar graphic
Ms. Isabelle Coche, MA
Chief Policy Officer at Emerging | Profile
Isabelle Coche leads the Secretariat for the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research. The Network’s purpose is to raise awareness of the value of responsible gene drive research for the public good and of the need for continuous efforts in its advancement.
Isabelle has significant experience in policy and advocacy at the international and regional levels, and a broad knowledge of development issues acquired through previous work in international organizations, private sector and NGOs. At Emerging, which provides the Secretariat services to the Network, Isabelle serves as Chief Policy Officer. She leads on several global policy issues related to technology, biodiversity and public health, building on her in-depth knowledge and understanding of UN and multilateral processes.
Prior to Emerging, Isabelle worked on issues related to gender and trade for the Organization of American States; as a campaigner for Amnesty International; and as policy manager for CropLife International. She has also worked as an independent consultant with organisations involved in agriculture and climate change, providing policy and strategy support.
She holds a Master’s in Gender Studies from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA Honours in Political Science and Economics from McGill University. Isabelle has lived and worked in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.
GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and the seminars serve as a great opportunity for our students to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Biltmore 2006.
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