Working Session: Emerging and Converging Technologies and Applications
Thursday 29 July 2010, 8:45am - 10:15am

 

Topics: Convergence of human genetic and reproductive technologies with other emerging technologies, including synthetic biology, nanotechnology, neurobiology and more, and their application towards extreme ends, including human “enhancement,” species-altering proposals, exotic weaponry, immortalism and transhumanism.
The Session: An information-sharing and framing/strategy discussion of exactly where and how these related powerful emerging technologies converge with human genetic and reproductive technologies and the social and political issues they raise. What are the similarities and differences in impact, key actors, constituency concerns, policy and politics? What is the current level of public awareness? What are some of the advocacy and policy challenges and opportunities[All details yet to be confirmed.]

Topics: Convergence of human genetic and reproductive technologies with other emerging technologies and practices, including synthetic biology, nanotechnology, neurobiology, "Do-It-Yourself" (DIY) biotechnology and more, and their application towards extreme ends, including human “enhancement,” species-altering proposals, exotic weaponry, and transhumanism.

The Session: An information-sharing, framing and policy/strategy discussion of the social and political challenges raised by these emerging and converging technologies and what should be done. Special attention was given to the ways in which they impact human life and society. Key questions included: What is the current level of public awareness? Who are the key actors?  What are the major constituency concerns? What sorts of policy proposals are on the table? What institutions of "anticipatory governance" might be established? What are the implications of the recent announcement by Craig Venter of the first "synthetic organism?"

Terry Room

Documents Related to This Session