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Fenner conference on the environment: The use of gene drive technology in conservation
Thu, 22 Nov
|Shine Dome, Canberra, Australia
This conference presents an opportunity for researchers working on gene drives across Australia and New Zealand to meet with administrative and policy experts to discuss the impacts of gene drives, develop best practice/strategies to manage and mitigate the potential hazards involved.
Time & Location
22 Nov 2018, 9:00 am – 23 Nov 2018, 5:00 pm
Shine Dome, Canberra, Australia
About the event
Thursday 22nd November
9:00am Keynote address by Sally Box, the Threatened Species Commissioner
9:30am Plenary by Philipp Messer: 'Can CRISPR gene drives spread in the wild?'
10:20am Gene drive research talks on insects
Charles Robin (University of Melbourne – drosophila)
Morning tea (10:40–11:00)
11:00am Gene drive and conservation research: mammals
James Russell 'Ecological filters to invasive rat establishment on islands'
Paul Thomas ‘Hype or hope: safe development of CRISPR gene drives in rodents’
Dan Tompkins 'IUCN Assessment of Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation'
12:15pm Potential of gene drive technology in invasive species management
Caitlin Cooper (for Mark Tizard of Australian Animal Health Lab, CSIRO)
Lunch (12:50–13:50)
1:50pm Gene drive modelling
Thomas Prowse 'Engineered gene drives for suppressing or eradicating vertebrate pest populations'
2:10pm Risk Assessment of gene drives
Keith Hayes (CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship)
Afternoon tea (14:50–15:15)
3:15pm Discussion of gene drive risks and safeguards in practice
FACILITATED DISCUSSION – led by Keith Hayes
Extrinsic confinement methods in practice
Barrier confinement
Ecological confinement
Intrinsic confinement methods in practice
Reproductive confinement
Molecular confinement
23rd November 2018
9:00am Information sharing between groups
FACILITATED DISCUSSION – led by Phill Cassey
10:00am Identification of experiments and data needed to get to field trial
FACILITATED DISCUSSION – led by Paul Thomas
Morning tea (11:00–11:20)
11:20am Regulatory engagement
Owain Edwards – ‘Proactive engagement of Australia regulators in gene drive technology development’
11:40am Regulatory Framework and risk assessment for GMOs
OGTR – Peter Thygesen – 20 minutes
FACILITATED DISCUSSION – 40 minutes - led by Peter Thygesen
Lunch (12:40–13:40)
1:40pm Stakeholder and community engagement
Margaret Byrne (Executive Director, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, WA Dept of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions)
Rachel Ankeny (Uni of Adelaide – Social science)
FACILITATED DISCUSSION – 40 minutes – led by Rachel Ankeny
Afternoon tea (15:00–15:15)
3:15pm Australasian working group
Facilitated discussion about future direction and issues. Expressions of interest for an Australasian gene drive working group to continue to inform regulators and shape engagement strategies.