CRISPRcon

The scientific community has handed the world a powerful tool: the ability to make precise edits to the DNA in living cells. These technologies could allow us to transform our food, health, and ecological systems. They also raise important questions about risks, benefits, ethics, equity, and more.

The science behind CRISPR and other gene editing technologies is only one piece of the puzzle. Just as essential is dialogue among those developing and governing the technology and the people whose lives could be impacted by it. From patients and farmers to environmentalists and community leaders, a broad range of stakeholders will play a critical role in assessing the potential of gene editing technologies to make the transition from the lab to the outside world.

CRISPRcon, organized by the Keystone Policy Center, is a unique forum bringing diverse voices together to discuss the future of CRISPR and related gene editing technologies across a variety of applications in agriculture, health, conservation and more. CRISPRcon was launched in 2017 and hosted by UC Berkeley. It returned in 2018, hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT with program development partnership from the Personal Genetics Education Project of the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School.

CRISPRcon’s speakers have included globally recognized, leading scientists in gene editing as well as renowned leaders in science policy and science journalism. Its panelists include voices from across the world – patients, disability advocates, farmers, conservationists, researchers, students, ethicists, religious leaders, tribal and indigenous leaders, business leaders, and more.

CRISPRcon 2020 Virtual

CRISPRcon returns fall 2020 with a series of discussions exploring gene editing’s role in COVID-19 testing and treatment, racial disparities and inequities, strategies to address climate change, and other pressing issues. In a year that has transformed the world in unexpected ways, CRISPRcon will be conducted virtually but still feature a dynamic, diverse, and timely lineup that will consider gene editing across applications, disciplines, geographies, communities, cultures, and perspectives.

Spanning September and October, the CRISPRcon 2020 Virtual series will feature two webinars every other week with moderated panels, short presentations, and virtual networking opportunities, as well as an online adaptation of CRISPRcon’s popular Ideas Marketplace to conclude the Thursday sessions.

Visit crisprcon.org to learn more, watch video from past events, and register for upcoming events.