Genetic Biocontrol: A new convening to share knowledge and foster research

Genetic biocontrol is an approach that relies on genetic modification to control populations of species that threaten public health and biodiversity. This is a growing field of research that brings together researchers to develop innovative technologies and systems designed to manage parasite-transmitting mosquitoes and invasive species that threaten local ecosystems.

The “New Biological Platforms for Affecting Phenotype Changes for Control” conference is a unique opportunity to learn more about genetic biocontrol and its applications, potential benefits, and the future course of research.

The event will take place from June 26 to July 1, 2022 in Ventura, California. It will bring together researchers, technology developers, and regulators to share knowledge, foster new research, compare lessons learned and develop best practices. The conference will focus exclusively on the topic of genetic biocontrol and will serve to encourage collaboration, communication, and new and exciting science at a time when new technologies such as gene drive are being developed.

The five-day conference is set to host discussions on topics related to the development, testing, and regulation of genetic biocontrol technologies. These will include, amongst others, a presentation on “”Local” Gene Drives for Modifying Specific Target Populations” by Dr Luke Alphey, (The Pirbright Institute), an intervention on “Population Modification of African Malaria Mosquitoes” by Dr Anthony James (University of California, Irvine), and a talk by Dr Abdoulaye Diabaté (Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS)) on regulatory and stakeholder engagement challenges linked to the first release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Burkina Faso. Prof Ruth Muller (Institute of Tropical Medicine & Polo GGB), Dr Philippos Papathanos (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), and Dr Brinda Dass (Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)) will also be presenting at the conference.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Omar Akbari, University of California, San Diego. Applications for the meeting must be submitted by May 29.

Visit the conference website for more information.