Ethical, legal and social aspects of human genome editing

In this presentation, Dianne will examine the major ethical, legal and social debates relating to human genome editing. She will start by outlining the findings from the major international reports on genome editing, including the recently released report from the World Health Organisation. She well then turn to the key elements of the current Australian regulatory environment for non-heritable and heritable genome editing and genome editing research using human  embryos. Finally, she will report on the recommendations from a four day citizen deliberation on genome editing involving 23 participants from across Australia, held in June this year.

Speaker bio:

Dianne Nicol is a professor of law at the University of Tasmania and director of the university’ Centre for Law and Genetics. She started her academic career with a PhD in cell biology, before embarking in legal training. Her research team at the Centre for Law and Genetics have been investigating the ethical, legal and social implications of genomics and related technologies for over 25 years, from a distinctly Australian perspective. Much of her current research focuses on genome editing, supported by funding from the ARC and MRFF.