Academies Wrestle with Germline Editing

The National Academies of Science (NAS) and National Academies of Medicine (NAM) have their work cut out for them as they begin hashing out under what circumstances, if any, should researchers carry out germline editing of human genomes. NAS and NAM said earlier this month they will develop recommendations for researchers on the thorny issue, through an initiative that will include an international summit set for this fall, an international committee, and an advisory panel to guide the work. The summit will “convene researchers and other experts to explore the scientific, ethical, and policy issues associated with human gene-editing research,” the academies said in a statement, while the committee will be empaneled to “begin a comprehensive study of the scientific underpinnings and clinical, ethical, legal, and social implications of human gene editing.”

The academies’ first action step, the naming of advisory group, will occur “in the coming weeks,” William Kearney, director of media relations for the NAS and NAM, told GEN. No dates have been set for the naming of the international committee, or the convening of...