Inclusive Public Engagement for Geneticists

GSA and the Personal Genetics Education Project (pgEd) of Harvard Medical School have partnered to build public dialogue about genetic technologies. Our joint programs aim to better equip scientists to engage in discussions about genetics with all communities, with special emphasis on those who have been marginalized, economically disadvantaged, or otherwise excluded from conversations about science. Learn more about the partnership ≫

WEBINAR SERIES

Meeting the Moment: strategies for contributing to a broad conversation on genetics and society

Upcoming webinars in this series

Dates for the following events are pending:

Discussing Genetics: Collaborating with community partners

Discussing Genetics: DNA and Identification

Past Events

Discussing Genetics: Genome Editing and the Environment

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May 12, 2021, 12:00–1:30 p.m. EDT

The emergence of genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, have opened new possibilities for engineering the world around us. Scientists are considering ways to apply these tools to address agricultural and environmental issues—modifying crops (for herbicide tolerance, drought resistance, and so on), gene drives to counter vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria), and even reviving extinct species. Some hail the use of these approaches, while others worry about unintended consequences of these ecosystem-changing actions.

Join pgEd to learn about their experiences and strategies for engaging with broad audiences in sensitive conversations about genome editing and the environment. The webinar will include:

• Key considerations when discussing genome editing and the environment
• Discussion strategies for engaging broad audiences and handling difficult moments
• An introduction to pgEd’s lesson on genome editing and the environment
• Interactive discussion and modelling of pgEd’s conversation starters

Discussing Genetics: Reproductive Genetics

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Wednesday April 14, 2021, 1:00-2:30 p.m. EDT

Reproductive genetic technologies, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), can allow people to learn more about the DNA of an embryo or fetus than ever before. For some people, genetic testing in reproductive healthcare provides an important decision-making tool; for some, these tests raise a suite of practical, ethical, moral, and religious questions. And the advent of CRISPR is bringing hopes for a new generation of genetic therapies as well as concerns that germline editing could lead to a new eugenics, exacerbating disparities and stigmatizing people living with perceived disabilities.

Join pgEd to learn about their experiences and strategies for engaging with broad audiences — from high school students to communities of faith — in sensitive conversations about reproductive genetics. The webinar will include:

• Key considerations when discussing reproductive genetic testing
• Discussion strategies for engaging broad audiences and handling difficult moments
• An introduction to pgEd’s lesson on reproductive genetic testing
• Interactive discussion and modelling of pgEd’s conversation starters

Discussing Genetics: History of Eugenics

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March 10, 2021, 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST

The history of genetics is deeply entwined with the eugenics movement. Some fear that today’s genetic advances, despite the great potential for societal benefits, could lead to a new era of eugenics. How can geneticists invite inclusive discussions on this important topic in our classrooms, labs, and communities? Join pgEd to learn about their experiences and strategies for engaging with broad audiences — from high school students to communities of faith — in sensitive conversations about genetics and the history of eugenics. The webinar will include:

• Key considerations when approaching the history of eugenics
• Discussion strategies for engaging broad audiences and handling difficult moments
• An introduction to the history of eugenics, as presented in a pgEd lesson
• How pgEd has adapted their lessons to include more diverse communities and perspectives
• Interactive discussion and modelling of pgEd’s conversation starters

Who should attend: Genetics or biology researchers or educators of any career stage, including students, postdocs, and faculty

Video Highlights from Previous Webinars

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