Scientists from all over the world gathered in Asilomar (California) in February 1975 for the “Conference on Recombinant DNA”. They were there to discuss appropriate ways of evaluating the risks and appropriate regulation for the newly invented genetic engineering technology. In many ways, the situation was similar to today: some experts were calling for a cautious approach to genetic engineering, while others were already filing the first patents and launching a competition for the commercial exploitation of genetically engineered organisms.
The conference sent an important signal: scientists recognised that the new technology posed a high level of risk and that legislation was needed to regulate applications. Not everything that is technically possible should be put into practice.
The debate on what limits should be imposed on the use of genetic engineering continues to this day. Its technical potential may in some ways be advantageous, but its potential to cause a great deal of damage has also increased rapidly. In crop plants and wild plants, vertebrates as well as insects, bacteria, fungi and viruses: new genetic engineering methods and tools, such as CRISPR/Cas gene scissors, have for the first time made it possible to genetically engineer every gene in every life form and to spread these genetic changes within the respective species.
On the eve of the 50 Anniversary of the Asilomar Conference, Testbiotech, has published ten proposals on how to contain and limit the long-term risks of genetic engineering. Testbiotech is taking this initiative based on the example of experts in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), who have already published similar proposals. Many experts now believe that the convergence of genetic engineering and AI poses an entirely new level of risk.
Testbiotech has published the following proposals for further discussion:
1. Promote risk research
2. Agree international control mechanisms
3. Regulate access to particularly sensitive information and tools
4. Educate civil society
5. Reduce the influence of industry
6. Expand state capacities to protect people and the environment
7. Strengthen international cooperation
8. Strengthen the precautionary principle
9. Reduce incentives for ethically problematic research
10. Expand technology assessment
Contact:
Christoph Then, info@testbiotech.org, Tel + 49 151 54638040
Further information
Testbiotech report on recent developments in the area of genetic engineering