Gene editing is a method for making precise and targeted cuts in DNA allowing for highly specific changes to be ‘engineered’ in the genome of an organism. It has made it easier to make targeted changes in the genomes of animals, plants and microorganisms, with huge potential benefits in many sectors including healthcare, agriculture and conservation. However, the technology to carry out gene editing and the ideas about how it might be applied have moved well ahead of public understanding and consideration of the proposed changes, and of any consensus on how this technology might be used.
In response the Royal Society Te Apārangi convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts, supported by a Māori reference group, to consider the social, ethical, cultural, legal and economic implications of gene-editing technologies for New Zealand. Their reports identified significant deficiencies in the current framework that need to be addressed in the recently introduced Gene Technology Bill.
This talk will provide an overview of the science and technology of gene editing, the social, ethical and other issues it raises, the implications for New Zealand and some of the future challenges that lie ahead.
Emeritus Professor Barry Scott FRSNZ was Professor of Molecular Genetics at Massey University from 1985 to 2019. His lifetime research was focused on understanding symbiotic interactions between plants and microbes. He was awarded the New Zealand Association of Scientists Marsden Medal in 2013 and has served as Vice President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Head of the Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University.
Part of the monthly series of talks brought to us by Royal Society of New Zealand Manawatū Branch.
Everyone welcome.
