Sean Ward
Rapid advances in the enabling technologies for genome editing are sparking a global dialogue about the potential consequences of these technologies. In particular, concerns exist about the potential biosecurity implications of engineering, previously only within the remit of state-sponsored bodies, becoming available to well-trained individuals and small groups. These same technologies offer an opportunity to learn from other security areas such as cybersecurity and to rethink the core tenets of biosecurity, which will be required to move us to a world where we can respond rapidly and effectively to emergent threats, both manmade and natural.