Report
01 Dec 21
Genome editing and farmed animal breeding: social and ethical issues
This report examines the social and ethical issues raised by the potential use of genome editing technologies in farmed animal breeding.
Public dialogue on genome editing and farmed animals
Public dialogue
Published 12/10/2022
We have worked with BBSRC and Sciencewise on a public dialogue exploring the use of genome editing in farmed animals.
A report of the dialogue (PDF) was published on 12 October 2022.
The topic guides and summary of information provided to participants and the executive summary of the report are available via the links on the left hand side of this page. You can also read the press release here.
The dialogue involved 80 members of the public and took place between May and July 2022. It was delivered by research consultancy Basis Social and overseen by an advisory group chaired by Sarah Mukherjee MBE.
Background
Genome editing - known commonly as ‘gene editing’ - is the precise, targeted alteration of a DNA sequence in a living cell. It enables changes to the genome - which aim to secure certain traits in new generations of farmed animals - to be made much faster than through traditional breeding methods.
Research in this area is well advanced, and the UK Parliament is currently debating Government proposals for amending the regulation of some genome edited organisms, including plants and animals, which could pave the way for the introduction of genome editing into the food and farming system.
Project team
Pete Mills
Associate Director
Pete is part of the senior management team. He is responsible for leading Council projects and inquiries and speaking on behalf the Council on a range of ethical issues. Before joining the Council in 2011, he worked on scientific development and bioethics at the Department of Health, where he led the Human Genetics Commission, and on assisted reproduction and embryo research policy for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Richella Logan
Head of Public Affairs
Richella is responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of the Nuffield Council’s public affairs activities. She works closely with communications colleagues with the aim of raising awareness of our work amongst decision makers. Richella joined us in 2018, prior to that she worked as Director of Public Affairs for the Country Land and Business Association.
Claudia Corradi
Researcher
Claudia undertakes research to support the Council’s work. She also monitors developments in different areas of interest to the Council. Before joining the Council, she has been a research assistant in the field of cognitive neuroscience and completed a BA in Philosophy and an MSc in Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience.
Sarah Walker-Robson
Senior Communications Manager
Sarah leads our communications to raise awareness and promote discussion of our work amongst a range of audiences. Sarah previously worked in development at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, after completing a Masters degree in Science, Culture and Communication.
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