The Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing, convened by the UK Royal Society, UK Academy of Medical Sciences, US National Academies of Sciences and Medicine, and The World Academy of Sciences, took place on 6-8 March 2023 at the Francis Crick Institute, London UK. Building on previous events held in Washington, DC (2015) and Hong Kong (2018), the London meeting was held to discuss the progress, promise, and challenges in research, regulation, and equitable development of human genome editing technologies and therapies and to continue the global dialogue on somatic and germline human genome editing.
At the close of the Summit the Organising Committee issued a summary statement including the following: “Heritable human genome editing remains unacceptable at this time. Public discussions and policy debates continue and are important for resolving whether this technology should be used. Governance frameworks and ethical principles for the responsible use of heritable human genome editing are not in place. Necessary safety and efficacy standards have not been met. Governance mechanisms for human genome editing need to protect ongoing, legitimate research, while preventing clinics or individuals from offering unproven interventions in the guise of therapies or ways to avoid disease”.
The Committee also called for “dialogue and continued international collaboration on innovative approaches to governance and regulation of human genome editing technologies, the state of the science, and innovation in the treatment of genetic diseases”.
The Francis Crick Institute also hosts ‘Cut + Paste’ an informative, highly interactive and colourful exhibition designed to stimulate public engagement and discussion on issues around genome editing.
After an accessible introduction to genes, genomes and genome editing, and the potential of genome editing to improve human health, visitors are informed about the ethical issues that arise from the technology. They are asked to consider some challenging questions and to have their say; which diseases should we try to cure? what is the difference between treating (or avoiding) a genetic condition, and enhancement? how much about ourselves should we change? how should we use these tools, how should they be regulated, and who should decide?
Cut + Paste is open until December 2nd 2023 and is accessible online at https://www.crick.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/cut-paste/cut-paste-online-exhibition#whoareyou