Genetic Biocontrol Experts To Convene In California

The “New Biological Platforms for Affecting Phenotype Changes for Control” conference will take place from June 26 – July 1, in Ventura, California. The event is a unique opportunity to learn more about genetic biocontrol, its applications, potential benefits, and the future course of research.

The panels will be focused on genetic biocontrol, with the goal of encouraging collaboration, communication, and new scientific developments at a time when new technologies like gene drive are being explored. Researchers, technology developers, and regulators will come together to share information, promote new research, compare their experiences, and develop best practices.

The five-day conference will feature discussions on topics such as genetic biocontrol technology development, testing, and regulation. It will include a presentation on “Local” Gene Drives for Modifying Specific Target Populations” by Dr. Luke Alphey (The Pirbright Institute), and an intervention on “Population Modification of African Malaria Mosquitoes” by Dr. Anthony James (University of California, Irvine), as well as 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. Other panellists at the event will include Prof Ruth Muller (Institute of Tropical Medicine & Polo GGB), Dr. Andrea Crisanti and Dr. Nikolai Windbichler (Imperial College London), Dr. Philippos Papathanos (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Dr. Grant Hughes (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene), Dr. Jaroslaw Krzywinski (The Pirbright Institute), and Dr. Brinda Dass (Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)).

Dr. Omar Akbari, University of California, San Diego, will deliver the keynote address.

Visit the conference website for more information.