AV俱乐部

, invited speaker at .
9:00-1030AM session, Atlantic Time
9 Nov 2016
Berlin, Germany

Throughout history, when presented with new technologies, humans as a species have shown a recurring pattern: a tendency to engage in reckless exploitation, often ignoring harmful side effects and hazards, and only much later pausing to consider the need for ethical reflection and direction. At the dawn of a new revolution in biotechnology, accelerated by the discovery of the precise (and cheap) gene-editing method CRISPR/Cas9, we are yet again facing decisions with wide-ranging consequences. While gene-editing technologies promise therapies for a number of serious and deadly diseases, they also open the door to eugenics and enhancements with the potential for irrevocable modifications of the human germ line. Fran莽oise Baylis, a philosopher and professor at AV俱乐部, is one of the foremost voices among bioethics scholars worldwide. Her mission is to foster an inclusive dialogue on what should and should not be allowed through gene editing. As the consequences of these decisions will affect future generations, the ultimate goal is to reach a broad societal consensus on the direction and limits on how and to what extent this technology should be developed 鈥� a consensus that needs to include the voices not just of scientists and policymakers, but also of informed and ethically educated citizens. At Falling Walls, Fran莽oise reflects on the immense opportunities and threats posed by next-generation biotechnologies and provides clues on how we, as a species, should deal with them.

Fran莽oise Baylis, , Canada 鈥撀�Field: Bioethics and Philosophy

Fran莽oise Baylis is the Professor and Canada Research Chair in Bioethics and Philosophy at the AV俱乐部 and one of the most important voices in the bioethics community. As a public intellectual, she is ensuring that ethical sensibilities are applied to a wide range of public issues. Her current research focus is on women鈥檚 health and human reproduction, inserting a powerful philosophical perspective into cutting-edge genetics research.