Login
CRISPRcon 2020 Revisited: Gene Editing in Public Health and Health Autonomy
In its final week, CRISPRcon 2020 Virtual explored priority setting in gene editing and the factors that shape research and development. The theme featured two discussions that examined what values and criteria are being used to shape research and funding decisions for gene editing in health, agriculture and beyond. The first discussion, held Oct. 27, delved into the complexities and tradeoffs of gene editing-focused health approaches for treatment versus prevention as well as the scale and significance of impact for individuals versus society at large.
“When considering all of these potential features together at the same time, we realize that there’s kind of an overarching question that we’ll be exploring today with our panelists and that is, how can we equitably maximize the benefit of gene editing technologies for everyone across each of these decision points while minimizing negative or unanticipated consequences? So, that means priority in agenda setting is really important and that it must be inclusive and widespread,” said David Sittenfeld, manager of forums and national collaborations at the Museum of Science in Boston, who moderated the session.
“The choice is not precision medicine or chronic disease management. We have to do both. We’re the richest country in the world. We are the country that brings these new technologies to market. And they’re coming. What we really have to be making choices about now is how to make sure that the people who stand to benefit from these technologies can actually access them and at a price that will not bankrupt their families or the system at large,” said Rena Conti, associate research director at Biopharma and Public Policy.
“There’s no consciousness to inform the processes from start to finish that would really be reflective of the needs, interests, and perspectives of those populations that are included. The ones that we are trying to figure out how to bring those voices to the table because it’s been a very monolithic type of mindset that has brought this forth,” said Glenn Ellis, visiting scholar at the National Bioethics Center at Tuskegee University.
“Who should benefit are the vulnerable populations that Rena was just talking about. And the integration of those communities and their voices as Glenn was saying has to happen from the start and we’re already starting from a bad place because we do have systemic racism and we have inequity built into the system,” said Sharon Terry, president and CEO of Genetic Alliance.
“My north star is how do we decrease disparities globally when it comes to precision medicine and new approaches to modernizing health care? One of the key elements to that is inclusion. That starts with consent. What are we doing around consent to make sure there is comprehension that people are truly informed and engaged and are made part of the system,” said Elissa Prichep, project lead precision medicine at the World Economic Forum.
Effective March 1, 2025, Thomas J. Vilsack, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Iowa, became the first Chief Executive Officer for the World Food Prize Foundation. In this new role, Governor Vilsack is focusing on expanding the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food and nutrition insecurity, continuing his lifetime of public service.
Shelby Coffey III is a distinguished journalist, media executive, and thought leader whose career has helped shape the landscape of American news and public discourse. Over several decades, Coffey has held some of the most influential roles in journalism, including serving as editor of the Los Angeles Times, executive vice president of ABC News, and deputy managing editor of The Washington Post. His editorial leadership extended to key roles as president of CNN Financial News, editor of the Dallas Times Herald, and U.S. News & World Report.
Jerry Steiner has spent 40 years involved in agriculture following growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. He began his career with Monsanto, in multiple business leadership roles. From 2003-2013 he served as a member of the Executive team, as the company’s Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. He led the company’s global Government, Public and Industry Affairs teams across the 70 countries where Monsanto conducts business. This experience got Jerry connected to the Keystones centers work in agriculture. Key among his responsibilities were shaping the company’s public policy and building partnerships aimed at helping farmers around the world produce more food, while conserving valuable resources like water and energy. Two unique partnership that developed under his leadership were drought tolerant corn with 5 African countries, CIMMYT and the Gates foundation, and a building a sustainable business model in Brazil with the value chain leading to significant multi-company investment and soybean varieties that can protected themselves.
Jennifer Morris is the Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy, leading a team of nearly 6,000 staff working in more than 80 countries and territories tackling the dual crises of the 
Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November 2018, becoming the first Black Member of Congress in Colorado history. In December 2022, Rep. Neguse was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), becoming the first Coloradan to serve in a senior elected leadership role in the House in over 85 years. He serves on the Natural Resources and Judiciary Committees, and was also appointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as one of four Democrats on the prestigious Rules Committee. Rep. Neguse serves as Ranking Member on the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, which he previously Chaired in the 117th Congress.
Llewellyn King was born in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. He went into journalism as soon as he turned 16, stringing for Time magazine and United Press in Africa.
Steven Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo North America, overseeing a more than $48 billion business that spans PepsiCo’s Foods and Beverage operating units. His leadership encompasses more than 125,000 associates and over 900 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Steven joined PepsiCo in 2001 as part of PepsiCo’s acquisition of the Quaker Oats Company, which he joined in 1997, and has held leadership positions of increased responsibility since.