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In labs and in clinical trials, scientists are seeking ways to rewrite DNA, a building block of life. Tools such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), TAL effector nucleases (TALENs) and, more recently, CRISPR/Cas9 have the power to seek out and replace faulty DNA. The possibilities seem almost limitless: with the ability to edit DNA at will, researchers theoretically could wipe out malaria-causing mosquitos, make disease- and pest-proof crops without the need for pesticides, and cure genetic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Cancer is another target, with human clinical trials using CRISPR already underway, while, in separate efforts, HIV has been reportedly eliminated in mice thanks to the tool.

But scientists and ethicists alike are worried about the speed at which the gene editing field is moving — and the implications of the results. In this panel, we will discuss the promises and challenges presented by gene editing for individual and public health. What scientific and ethical hurdles must be overcome before tools like CRISPR and others can move safely and more widely out of the lab and into fields, farms, and hospitals? 

EXPERT PARTICIPANTS

George Annas, Distinguished Professor at Boston University and Director of the Center for Health Law, Ethics & Human Rights at Boston University School of Public Health

Flaminia Catteruccia, Associate Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

George Church, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and Co-Founder, Editas and eGenesis

MODERATOR

David Freeman, Editorial Director, NBC News MACH

Additional panelists may be announced.

Spread the word:

Send our panelists questions in advance to theforum@hsph.harvard.edu

We’ll be conducting a live chat on The Forum’s Gene Editing web page.

Tweet us @ForumHSPH  #GeneEditing

Forum video will be posted on-demand after the event.