The committee will convene in July 2015 to explore “Responsible Conduct of Research on Gene Drives in Non-Human Organisms”, and aims to identify key scientific techniques to reduce ecological and other risks, characterise and assess environmental hazards, and develop appropriate mitigation strategies that need to be considered ahead of field releases of organisms that carry gene drives. The committee will report back in April 2016 with general principles for investigators, research funders, and regulators to guide responsible practices in gene drive research from laboratory settings through to field releases.
Tait and Kingiri’s invitations come as a result of their expertise and work on innovative emerging technologies and governance in the life sciences.
More information on the committee can be found at: http://nationalacademies.org/