June 20-21, 2019
Wageningen, The Netherlands
Conversations on Science, Society & the Future of Gene Editing
CRISPRcon creates a unique forum in which a broad selection of diverse voices come together to discuss the future of CRISPR and related gene editing technologies across a variety of applications in agriculture, health, conservation and more.
CRISPRcon is a program of Keystone Policy Center. CRISPRcon 2019 was hosted by Wageningen University and Research.
To view information from CRISPRcon 2018 in Boston, MA, click here.
To view information from CRISPRcon 2017 in Berkeley, CA, click here.
Registration Opens; Coffee and Networking
Welcome and Introductions
Panel Discussion Personal Reflections: The Promise and Perils of Gene Editing CRISPR and other gene editing technologies pose sweeping implications for our food, health and ecosystems. As we contemplate the future of gene editing, how do societal narratives and personal stories of those most affected illuminate and shape critical conversations about what is at stake in using — and not using — these technologies?
Lightning Presentation From Exploration to Exploitation of CRISPR-Cas Systems
Keynote A Conversation on CRISPR Science and Policy This interview with two of our CRISPRcon hosts from Wageningen University & Research — an award-winning CRISPR researcher and a global thought leader on agriculture and science policy — will explore current developments in the gene editing field, the role of scientists in societal debate, and the future of gene editing education and policy in the Netherlands and beyond.
Break Participant-led roundtable conversations on gene editing topics across a variety of applications and issues.
Lightning Presentation Gene editing to reduce gluten immunogenicity in wheat
Lightning Presentation CRISPR and Malaria: Biology, Drugs and Vaccines
Panel Discussion CRISPR Cures: Gene Editing in Personal and Public Health Gene editing offers the potential to treat and prevent life-threatening diseases and afflictions. But these potential CRISPR ‘cures’ also open up questions about personal choice, privacy and even ‘playing God’ with both humans and other species. How could gene editing be used for good in personal and public health — and when might it lead us astray?
Lunch
Ideas Marketplace: Participant-led roundtable discussions on gene editing and society.
Remarks
Lightning Presentation An Overdue Overhaul: Why the EU’s GMO Legislation Needs an Update
Lightning Presentation #DNAdialoog: a first glimpse into the national dialogue on germline modification in the Netherlands
Panel Discussion The Evolution of Innovation: What Drives Societal Embrace or Rejection of Emerging Technologies? From vaccinations and automobiles to nuclear fission and the smartphone, history demonstrates that humans have complex reactions to and relationships with technology. What influences how societies view, value and engage with technological innovation? What does history teach us about the emergence of new technology and how should that shape our views on gene editing?
Lightning Presentation Killing of Day-Old Chicks Can Be Stopped Using Genetic Modification
Lightning Presentation Breeding healthier crops: Dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes from chicory roots
Panel Discussion Growing for Good? Gene Editing and Agriculture Gene editing could control crop pests, improve animal welfare, enhance nutrition, increase yields and more. What are the potential solutions and problems created or perpetuated by gene editing, including those related to social, economic and environmental outcomes? What are the right expectations for gene editing in agriculture? How can we ensure societal benefit?
Closing Remarks and Reception
Coffee and networking
Welcome
Keynote The Story of Us: How Our Genes Explain Our Past and Inform Our Future After earning a doctorate in genetics, Adam Rutherford spent 10 years as an editor for the journal Nature, and in 2013, he became host of the BBC Radio 4 weekly program "Inside Science." He has presented BBC television and radio documentaries on topics including genetics and human evolution, science and cinema, and scientific fraud. His latest book is The Book of Humans: The Story of How We Became Us and before that his best-seller A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived retold human history using genetics.
Break
Lightning Presentation Removing the Dopaminergic Inhibition to Study the Progression of Sexual Maturation in Zebrafish
Lightning Presentation CRISPR Creations: Science, Art & Biohacking
Panel Discussion Double Helixes and the Circular Economy: Gene Editing, Sustainability, and the Environment CRISPR has a variety of potential environmental applications and implications related to agricultural production, ecosystem services, climate and energy, invasive species, and more. However, ethical questions, biosecurity concerns, and other uncertainties remain regarding gene editing and the environment. Will gene editing technologies help or hurt the environment? What are the potential risks and benefits of gene editing and its potential contributions to sustainability goals for land, water, wildlife, energy, and climate?
Lunch and CRISPRcon To Go Small group lunchtime conversation on how to apply the event’s conversations and learnings.
Lightning Presentation Drawing on Experts, Publics, and Stakeholders to Inform Genome Editing Research
Lightning Presentation How Do Dutch Plant Breeders Feel about the 2018 Ruling by the EU Court of Justice?
Panel Discussion Gene Editing on the Global Stage: Considerations for Governance and Leadership The future of gene editing is guided both by formal governance structures and by the actions and interactions of institutions working across public and private sectors. Whether making decisions on investments in gene editing research, informing international guidelines, or setting policy and regulation, global leaders must consider a variety of legal, cultural, ethical, and economic factors. This panel will explore how such leaders think about their roles working at an international scale across countries and communities.
Adjourn
After a CRISPRcon-hosted reception concludes the event's first day of programming on Thursday, June 20, there will be three independently organized side events open to all CRISPRcon attendees:
CRISPR for Us: A Chat with Young Professionals Hosted by Gene Sprout Initiative and Give CRISPR a Chance
This panel of young researchers will reflect on the first day of discussions and on what it means to be a young scientist working on CRISPR-related research.
Time: 18:30 to 19:30 (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Location: The Spot, Orion, Building 103, Bronland 1, 6708 WH Wageningen (map)
Farmer Roundtable Hosted by American Farm Bureau Federation, United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association, and National Pork Board
Hear farmers from around the world discuss the first day's sessions and their perspectives on gene editing.
Time: 18:30 to 19:30 (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Location: Ground floor, Orion, Building 103, Bronland 1, 6708 WH Wageningen (map)
CRISPRcon Late Night After hours reception
Continue the conversations in an informal setting at a restaurant in the center of Wageningen. Show your CRISPRcon name tag to receive a free drink.
Time: 19:00 to 22:00 (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Location: Hotel de Wereld (Grote Capitulatiezaal, Kleine Capitulatiezaal, and Brasserie Le Monde), 5 Mei Plein, 6703 CD Wageningen (map)
CRISPRcon 2019 was hosted by:
The event program was developed by the Keystone Policy Center in partnership with Wageningen University and Research. Special thanks to Dirk Bosch, Katarina Cankar, Ernst van den Ende and Susanne Laven.
CRISPRcon’s multi-stakeholder advisory council guides CRISPRcon’s vision, mission, and implementation. Click here to view the current advisory council.
CRISPRcon welcomes sponsorship from organizations, businesses, foundations, universities, NGOs, and others interested in supporting the CRISPRcon mission to create a unique forum of diverse perspectives on gene editing across a variety of applications. Funding supports program development and direct costs associated with the event including speaker support to enable diverse participation. CRISPRcon is a nonprofit event. Irrespective of funding source, Keystone Policy Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to independently managing CRISPRcon’s development in service to its mission. Keystone operates under a statement of independence to serve all of its project participants and does not advocate for any specific or general uses of CRISPR or other gene-editing technologies.
To view sponsors for our past events click here for CRISPRcon 2017 and CRISPRcon 2018. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact: contact@crisprcon.org
For press inquiries concerning CRISPRcon, media access, and other questions, please contact:
CRISPRcon is a program of Keystone Policy Center. Keystone is a nationally recognized nonprofit working to bring diverse perspectives to bear in helping leaders, stakeholders, and communities reach common higher ground on society’s most challenging issues. Keystone manages overall development of CRISPRcon programming, planning, and fundraising. Keystone operates under a statement of independence to serve all of its project participants and does not take a position of advocacy on any specific or general use of CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies.
For more information about CRISPRcon, contact us below:
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