Are there existing agreements constraining the deployment of applied genetic research? What are the keywords I should search for, if I want to know more?
The only thing I know about this area is that an unaffiliated researcher used CRISPR to modify human embryos, and that most of the field rebuked him for it. This suggests that there are general norms about which experiments are irresponisble to try, but not strong coordination that prevents those experiments from being done.
I am no certainly no expert, but I do know there is legislation—both national and international—regulating to genetic research. Quick queries to Professor Google delivered two international agreements that appear relevant:
o Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the
o International Declaration on Human Genetic Data
Both are older documents which establish a kind of precedent for a basic framework for how national governments can cooperate to regulate a rapidly changing and critically dangerous technology.
Another place to look would be the evolution of agreements on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; especially in the early years, when the political and technological application of e.g. nuclear weapons was still in flux.
Are there existing agreements constraining the deployment of applied genetic research? What are the keywords I should search for, if I want to know more?
The only thing I know about this area is that an unaffiliated researcher used CRISPR to modify human embryos, and that most of the field rebuked him for it. This suggests that there are general norms about which experiments are irresponisble to try, but not strong coordination that prevents those experiments from being done.
Hi elityre, and thanks for responding.
I am no certainly no expert, but I do know there is legislation—both national and international—regulating to genetic research. Quick queries to Professor Google delivered two international agreements that appear relevant:
o Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the
o International Declaration on Human Genetic Data
Both are older documents which establish a kind of precedent for a basic framework for how national governments can cooperate to regulate a rapidly changing and critically dangerous technology.
Another place to look would be the evolution of agreements on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; especially in the early years, when the political and technological application of e.g. nuclear weapons was still in flux.
Hope this helps.