Instruction:D51b8272-661c-49eb-875a-13da8a955df5

Instructions

Gene Editing: Exploring Ethical Challenges

Instructions for:TraineeTrainer

Goal

This module introduces the ethical challenges in gene editing. Using real life cases, it aims to encourage reflection on ethical issues related to this technology.

Requirements

For trainers: Before using this module trainers should complete the two ENERI e-learning modules on Gene Editing: Gene Editing: Ethics Issues and Gene Editing: Technology Basics

For trainees: No prior expertise in gene editing is required, but participants should have a basic understanding of research ethics concepts. Participants are encouraged to complete the ENERI e-learning module on Research Ethics And Integrity Basics  

Duration (hours)

1

For whom is this important?

RECs

Part of

irecs

Steps

Steps

1Welcome (10-15 minutes) & introduction of the session program and objectives

2Ice breaker (10 minutes)

3Warm up: Case presentation (15 minutes)

4Interactive lecture (45 minutes)

5Case discussion in subgroups (45 minutes)

6Group presentations and plenary discussion (30-40 minutes)

7Concluding session (10-20 minutes)

Practical Tips

• Familiarize yourself with the irecs materials on gene editing and identify where are the videos and cases you will use for this session

• Test all digital tools (Mentimeter, digital whiteboards) in advance.  

• Be aware of the diverse cultural and regulatory backgrounds of the trainees in your group.

• Share additional resources and the rest of e-modules at the end of the session.

• Collect feedback through the evaluation form to improve future sessions.

1

Welcome (10-15 minutes) & introduction of the session program and objectives

Introduce yourself and share the plan for the session presented below:

• Ice-breaker
• Short introductory lecture  
• Case discussion in smaller groups
• Plenary discussion

Introduce the Learning Objectives - after the session participants are able to:

1. Weigh the potential harms and benefits of different areas of gene editing. 
2. Reflect upon some of the ethics issues (like dual use/misuse or long-term ethical and societal implications) associated with gene editing.
3. Recognize ethical and safety concerns associated with gene editing techniques and their applications.

Use a warm up question to introduce the topic: Use this as an interactive exercise before starting with the session. Ask participants one of these questions, encouraging participants to share their answers with the group:

• What’s one word that comes to mind when you think of gene editing?
• What's one aspect of gene editing that makes you feel excited or uneasy?

Briefly introduce the topic:

Gene editing is a transformative and evolving technology that has a big potential for addressing problems in healthcare, agriculture, among others. However, it also raises critical ethical questions since it can have severe societal and environmental long-term consequences. Since the CRISPR-Cas9 became a reality, many debates about human enhancement and justice issues regarding access to the technology have surrounded gene editing.

This training session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex ethical issues that arise from gene editing. By exploring and discussing real cases, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities associated to gene editing.

Trainer Tip: Use this moment to create a welcoming and open environment, emphasizing that the session wants to encourage ethical reflection in an open and safe space.  

2

Ice breaker (10 minutes)

The aim of this activity is to invite participants to reflect on their expectations. This is useful both for trainers and participants.

 Trainers can pick between two possible activities:

OPTION 1:

Mind map activity → small group activity: in sub-groups participants create a mind map of their current knowledge on the topic.

The following steps can support trainers in organizing this activity:

• Divide participants into subgroups.
• Provide each group with a digital (or physical) board.
• Ask them to brainstorm and write down the words that come to mind when they think of "gene editing."
• Ask them to divide the terms into:
  - Topics they want to learn more about. - Topics they are already familiar with.

• After 6-7 minutes of discussion in sub-groups, ask all groups share their maps with the group. Together with the group select the most common unknown topics.

OPTION 2:

Learning goals with Mentimeter

• Prepare and share a  Mentimeter (or similar tool) with the following question: after this session I expect to be able to…
• Ask participants to submit two goals, project the results and discuss them with the group.  

3

Warm up: Case presentation (15 minutes)

• Present the irecs video on the CRISPR-Cas9 case of Lulu and Nana. You can find it here: A Case Of Gene Editing In Human Embryos  
• After the video, have a brief discussion by asking participants the following questions:
  - What are the main ethical issues in this case? - How do these issues relate to societal or regulatory concerns?

Trainer Tip: Allow for a brief open discussion but keep it focused to ensure you stay within the allocated time.

4

Interactive lecture (45 minutes)

Discuss core ethical concepts related to gene editing, applying the concepts to practical cases. To build your presentation you can use the content of the irecs modules, which will provide you with videos and examples. For more engagement, you can ask participants to select one of the following topics and focus on it in depth:

A) Gene editing in embryos→ key concepts: moral status of embryos, human enhancement, risk/benefit, autonomy and beneficence. Resources:

1. Matching exercise on gene editing in human embryos and its associated ethical issues: Germline Gene Editing.
2. Explanation of germline gene editing: Germline Gene Editing.
3. Explanation of gene editing in human embryos: Gene Editing And Human Embryos

B) Gene editing justice and equality→ key concepts: risk/benefits ratio, costs/benefits of gene therapy, patents gains, global considerations, medical need vs. human enhancement, socioeconomic inequalities, inclusion and stigma of people with disabilities.

1. Introduction to gene editing and equality issues: Gene Editing, Justice, And Equality
2. Potential benefits and risks of gene editing in terms of justice and equality: Gene Editing, Justice, And Equality cont.
3. Benefits and financial gains of CRISPR-Cas9: Who Profits Financially From CRISPR-Cas9?

C) Gene editing, dual use and non-human use→ key concepts: dual use, risk/benefit of gene editing, non-human gene editing, environmental impacts, food safety.

1. Introduction to gene editing misuses and dual use: Gene Editing, Misuse, And Dual Use
2. Environmental impacts of gene editing: Ethical Challenges For Non-Human Gene Editing
3. Overview of the challenges related to agriculture and food safety of gene editing: Food Safety
4. Gene editing in animals overview and some ethics issues: Gene Editing In Animals and Gene Editing In Animals cont.

Trainer Tip: Use questions to keep the lecture dynamic and engaging. Consider takinga break at this point.  

Other information