The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the pace of scientific development of genome editing technologies, particularly the advances enabled by 'the CRISPR revolution'. One area of immense potential is the use of genome editing technologies—as well as other related DNA and RNA technologies—in emerging human interventions, potential therapeutics and cutting-edge research. Alongside the potential benefits, there are a number of ethical and legal issues that arise, posing challenges for the development of robust governance and regulation of such technologies. This Blended Intensive Programme will explore the ethical implications of these emerging technologies, alongside their legal, regulatory and societal impacts. 

The dates for the physical week are from Thursday 17 July – Monday 21 July 2025. (9:00-18:00) with activities in town on Sunday, welcome drinks on the first day, and farewell dinner on the last evening.

The Programme will be delivered through a mix of lectures and deliberative workshops over the course of several days, each with their own focus: scientific advances, ethics, governance and regulation, as well as social issues. This will result in a strong understanding of the wide range of interrelated considerations in human genome editing and related technologies. Throughout, active class engagement will be ensured through interactive lectures, the use of multimedia teaching methods, and group discussions – including a ‘movie with snacks evening’ on the topic of human genome editing. Participants will also get to experience Tübingen with social and field educational activities, such as the castle museum visit, including to the castle laboratory where, in 1869, Friedrich Miescher made the groundbreaking discovery of a substance which he named “nuclein” — today known as DNA and RNA. Other social activities include punting on the beautiful Neckar river. A tour of Tübingen's Old Town will focus on learning the city's history in medicine. The event will end with a dinner in a traditional Tübingen restaurant.

In addition, there will be a one-day symposium that allows participants to present new ideas and perspectives, including (but not only) those arising from the Programme. The format will be a series of ‘10-minute pitches’ (plus Q&A) in a friendly symposium atmosphere, leading to the generation of new, innovative ideas with a view to preparing a co-authored paper (or collection of papers in a special issue proposal) in which students get the chance to be published.

Virtual sessions (via Zoom) will take place between 12 June – 11 July 2025, usually late afternoon/early evening. There will also be some self-paced learning via online links for video and articles.

Approx. 15 hours — mix of online classes/guest lectures & additional learning support.

The virtual sessions will cover a range of topics, including the history of genome editing, scientific milestones, results and future prospects, as well as introductions to the ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges raised by human genome editing. The sessions will also allow engagement with various stakeholders, including patient groups and other important voices from the community.