Just Editing: A Comparative Responsible Innovation Approach to Animal Genome Editing

In this project, we develop and apply a comparative responsible innovation approach to novel techniques of genome editing to examine the conditions (if any) under which the technique can and should be applied to animal breeding applications. Using the anticipate-include-reflect-respond (AIRR) RI framework beta scientists, social scientists, ethicists and breeding companies work together to understand, anticipate, reflect and respond to ethical and societal concerns. We undertake an integrated programme of research across three workpackages. In Workpackage 1 we analyse the benefits, challenges, risks and uncertainties of genome editing, the driving visions and expectations of the technology in scientific and corporate programmes, and how these compare across animal breeding and human health applications. In Workpackage 2 we open up inclusive dialogue and ethical reflection on animal genome editing. We examine the factors shaping public opinion and what constitutes an appropriate ethical framework. We compare responses to human medical and animal breeding applications, as well as to three spheres of animal breeding application: editing for animal welfare, editing for disease resistance, and editing for yield efficiency. In Workpackage 3 we experiment ways of integrating social and ethical dimensions into scientific and corporate research practices and decision-making processes, and formulate building blocks for the development of reflexive corporate and scientific cultures. The project culminates in a policy seminar aimed at decision-makers, and a policy report and toolkit, where we offer guidance on how (if at all) the science and decision-making of animal genome editing can develop in ways that are responsive and responsible.