Gene Editing: Exploring Ethical Challenges
InstructionsGene Editing: Exploring Ethical Challenges
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
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.
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
- Weigh the potential harms and benefits of different areas of gene editing.
- Reflect upon some of the ethics issues (like dual use/misuse or long-term ethical and societal implications) associated with gene editing.
- Recognize ethical and safety concerns associated with gene editing techniques and their applications.
- 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?
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.
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.
