Parallel session 2: New developments in policy and governance of gene drives: implications for research and applications for environmental sustainability and human health.
Tracks
Breakaway 2
| Monday, May 1, 2023 |
| 14:00 - 15:30 |
| Frisco / Burlington |
Details
Organized by Benjamin Robinson, Outreach Network For Gene Drive Research, UK.
Gene drives are a genetic technology that promotes the preferential inheritance of specific genetic traits in a target population, thereby increasing their prevalence in that population. They present significant potential for tackling challenges related to public health (for example through control of disease vectors) and for environmental conservation and sustainability (for example through ecosystem restoration and control of invasive species). In recognition of this potential, interest in gene drive research is considerable and growing rapidly. The global policy and governance environment in which this research takes place is also evolving quickly, with guidance and position statements on how it can be conducted safely, fairly, and responsibly having been published over the last year by several major international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). This session will provide participants with an overview of what these developments mean for gene drive research, and how they can inform risk analysis and management. It will place particular emphasis on the implications for the development of novel environmental conservation technologies, as well as stakeholder consultation and researchers’ engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities. It will be an opportunity to hear from scientists and other experts directly involved in gene drive, and it will seek to provide an accurate picture of the state of this research, relevant regulatory and policy frameworks, and the ways in which these elements interact with stakeholder engagement activities and concerns.
14:00 - 14:05 Chair: Fabio Niespolo Introduction
Gene drives are a genetic technology that promotes the preferential inheritance of specific genetic traits in a target population, thereby increasing their prevalence in that population. They present significant potential for tackling challenges related to public health (for example through control of disease vectors) and for environmental conservation and sustainability (for example through ecosystem restoration and control of invasive species). In recognition of this potential, interest in gene drive research is considerable and growing rapidly. The global policy and governance environment in which this research takes place is also evolving quickly, with guidance and position statements on how it can be conducted safely, fairly, and responsibly having been published over the last year by several major international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). This session will provide participants with an overview of what these developments mean for gene drive research, and how they can inform risk analysis and management. It will place particular emphasis on the implications for the development of novel environmental conservation technologies, as well as stakeholder consultation and researchers’ engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities. It will be an opportunity to hear from scientists and other experts directly involved in gene drive, and it will seek to provide an accurate picture of the state of this research, relevant regulatory and policy frameworks, and the ways in which these elements interact with stakeholder engagement activities and concerns.
14:00 - 14:05 Chair: Fabio Niespolo Introduction
Speaker
Dr Brinda Dass
Deputy Director, GeneConvene Global Collaborative
FNIH
Dr Brian B. Tarimo
Senior Research Scientist
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Working with gene drive in an African context: regulatory gaps and challenges.
14:20 - 14:35Biography
Brian is a Research Scientist at Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in the United Republic of Tanzania. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Dar es Salaam, a Master of Science degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Life Sciences (particular focus on Molecular Microbiology) from Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and Technology. His research interest is to apply molecular biology techniques to better understand the host-parasite-vector (human-Plasmodium-Anopheles) interactions in vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria, in order to characterize the main drivers of transmission.
He is a lead scientist in the Transmission Zero (T0) global malaria research programme. This research programmed has the mission of developing genetic tools to reduce malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes. Through this research programme, he oversees all molecular entomology activities carried out at IHI while also aiding in communication and outreach activities.
Lastly, he is the Deputy Head of Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) and also serve as the Secretary/Biosafety Officer of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
Dr Owain Edwards
Group Leader
Csiro
A prototype gene drive to suppress invasive mice on islands
14:35 - 14:50Biography
Dr Edwards’ genomics research focused initially on the molecular basis of aphid-host plant interactions, then expanded to investigate molecular interactions of aphids with their environment more broadly – including identifying the molecular basis for insecticide resistance. Dr Edwards has subsequently been involved in many global insect genome consortia, and has used his knowledge of insecticide resistance to contribute to Resistance Management Strategies for many Australian pest species. Most recently, Dr Edwards’ focus has shifted to genetic control of insect pests and invasive species, including the use of novel gene drive technologies. He has been involved in guiding international policy on new synthetic biology technologies, and has worked with Australian regulators to ensure there is sufficient regulation of new genetic control technologies.
Ms Ana Kormos
UCMI Program Administrator
University Of California Davis
Dr Fabio Niespolo
Member of Secretariat
Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research
Chair
Fabio Niespolo
Member of Secretariat
Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research
