Intelligence Squared

Ever since the discovery of DNA scientists have been on a quest to understand the secrets of the human genome. This quest has not only involved analysing the role genes play in making us who we are – the history of genetics has also been shaped by a desire to explore how far our genes can be altered or enhanced.  In 2012, the discovery that a molecule known as CRISPR could be programmed to add and remove elements of DNA marked a huge leap forward, transforming research into treatments for diseases as varied as cancer, Alzheimer’s, sickle cell and HIV, as well as many rare genetic conditions.  In this conversation, recorded at the Francis Crick Institute in London, our panel explores the urgent ethical questions that these advances have unleashed. Chaired by Dr Guddi Singh, the panel featured Tom Whipple, Science Editor at The Times, Shani Dhanda, an award-winning disability activist and inclusion specialist, Dr Güneş Taylor, postdoctoral research scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, and Jimi Olaghere,