How should we monitor gene drives after release?

Gene drive approaches could offer a potential solution to address global health and conservation challenges. While no gene drive organisms have been released into the environment yet, as research progresses, national authorities, developers, and other stakeholders will need to work together to understand key considerations for monitoring gene drives after release.

These key considerations help ensure effective planning of monitoring activities as well as the implementation of necessary measures to inform decisions following a release. The Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research’s new policy brief explores key questions including what, where, how and who should be responsible for these monitoring efforts.

Policymakers and stakeholders will need to decide where to monitor, what to monitor and who should be carrying out monitoring activities. While there is no prior experience in monitoring gene drive organisms after release, there is substantial knowledge of non-gene drive organisms for biocontrol purposes, upon which researchers and national authorities can build. A key consideration is that monitoring plans must be consistent with the principle of case-by-case evaluation, national contexts and regulations. Equally important is ensuring that the necessary regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and human and financial resources are in place to support the implementation of monitoring activities.

As research on gene drives move forward, collaborative efforts among stakeholders are imperative to reach a consensus on how to effectively monitor gene drives after their release. In order to contribute to the debate surrounding gene drive monitoring, a regional approach to managing transboundary monitoring needs could be explored. This means that national authorities, in collaboration with developers and relevant stakeholders, would provide guidance and set requirements for monitoring. Adequate investments in capacity-building for the implementation of monitoring plans will be critical.

To learn more about the key considerations to design robust, informative, and sustainable monitoring plans and ensure the stability, safety, and effectiveness (for the intended use) of gene drive organisms, read the full policy brief “Monitoring gene drives after release”.