Genome Editing is a now decades-old technology with still unresolved ethics issues. And since 2012, CRISPR/Cas has markedly intensified the debate on intentional modifications to the human DNA. Sparking attention were an increasing number of studies on genome editing in human embryos and the announcement of the world’s presumedly first genetically modified children in 2018. These cases expanded ongoing discussions about the legitimacy of such germline interventions in humans. A growing body of literature on possible clinical applications, public participation, policy approaches, or translation to clinical application has emerged ever since. Besides, there are somatic genetic interventions on humans, which seem to be much less controversial, but still raise questions regarding research ethics protocols or fair access.
The aim of this Research Topic on the ethics of human genome editing is to bring together experts from different fields to explore ethical aspects of gene editing technology in both somatic and germline contexts of human health. Many issues remain a matter of debate: Which purposes, if any, might justify germline genome editing in humans? How globally standardized should policy approaches be? Should scientific questions be prioritized over societal ones? What questions to ask first? What to ask at all? And how to involve the broad public in ethical decision-making?
To address these questions, we will invite submissions from experts in fields such as bioethics, genetics, law, philosophy, and sociology, among others.
The Research Topic invites researchers to submit original research articles, review articles, policy reviews, and opinion pieces/viewpoints that may be inspired by – but need not be limited to – the following directions.
•Ethical issues of genome editing in somatic genetic intervention in humans (e.g., safety standards, research ethics protocols, fair access, patenting, use for non-medical purposes, etc.)
•Ethics of genome editing in germline humans cells (e.g., questions of risks, harms and benefits; alternatives to germline editing; legitimate medical or non-medical purposes, informed consent)
•Public perception and participation in ethics and governance of genome editing
•Policy approaches for responsible research and development in basic research and application
•Research ethics and translational pathways
Keywords:
Genome Editing; CRISPR; ELSA (ethical, legal and social aspects); Ethics; RRI (responsible research and innovation)
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Genome Editing is a now decades-old technology with still unresolved ethics issues. And since 2012, CRISPR/Cas has markedly intensified the debate on intentional modifications to the human DNA. Sparking attention were an increasing number of studies on genome editing in human embryos and the announcement of the world’s presumedly first genetically modified children in 2018. These cases expanded ongoing discussions about the legitimacy of such germline interventions in humans. A growing body of literature on possible clinical applications, public participation, policy approaches, or translation to clinical application has emerged ever since. Besides, there are somatic genetic interventions on humans, which seem to be much less controversial, but still raise questions regarding research ethics protocols or fair access.
The aim of this Research Topic on the ethics of human genome editing is to bring together experts from different fields to explore ethical aspects of gene editing technology in both somatic and germline contexts of human health. Many issues remain a matter of debate: Which purposes, if any, might justify germline genome editing in humans? How globally standardized should policy approaches be? Should scientific questions be prioritized over societal ones? What questions to ask first? What to ask at all? And how to involve the broad public in ethical decision-making?
To address these questions, we will invite submissions from experts in fields such as bioethics, genetics, law, philosophy, and sociology, among others.
The Research Topic invites researchers to submit original research articles, review articles, policy reviews, and opinion pieces/viewpoints that may be inspired by – but need not be limited to – the following directions.
•Ethical issues of genome editing in somatic genetic intervention in humans (e.g., safety standards, research ethics protocols, fair access, patenting, use for non-medical purposes, etc.)
•Ethics of genome editing in germline humans cells (e.g., questions of risks, harms and benefits; alternatives to germline editing; legitimate medical or non-medical purposes, informed consent)
•Public perception and participation in ethics and governance of genome editing
•Policy approaches for responsible research and development in basic research and application
•Research ethics and translational pathways
Keywords:
Genome Editing; CRISPR; ELSA (ethical, legal and social aspects); Ethics; RRI (responsible research and innovation)
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.