Symposium: Catholic Integral Ecology Perspectives on Gene Drive Technologies, Rome, 4-5 May 2023

An academic symposium to consider a Catholic Integral Ecology approach to new developments in biotechnology will take place in Rome from 4-5 May 2023. 

This event  will gather a cohort of key ecclesial and academic leaders to describe, review and evaluate the implications of gene drives in light of current theology and philosophy, and to construct an intellectual infrastructure to address broader developments in biotechnology and genetic science.

Attendance is by invitation only. Participants will receive briefing material before the event, including access to an online knowledge exchange hub.

At the event itself there will be three plenary presentations, followed by moderated discussion sessions led by a subject specialist:

1. Using Catholic Social Teaching to frame the benefits and harms of gene drives.
2. Understanding public attitudes and the ecclesial context in South American countries.
3. Evaluating the role of the Church in supporting public understanding of new scientific developments.

Each group will then report back to the symposium, enabling contributions to be reviewed and clarified. There will be a concluding presentation, summing up contributions and suggesting ways forward.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Dr Timothy Howles who is co-ordinating attendance.