ESA (ACT): Editing the Human Genome - Economics, Market Forces, and the Future of Humanity

ESA (ACT): Editing the Human Genome - Economics, Market Forces,
and the Future of Humanity  

The Economic Society of Australia (ACT) invites you to hear from Professor Steve Robson MD PhD FRCOG speaking about Editing the human genome - economics, market forces, and the future of humanity at the beautiful Commonwealth Club. 

The Commonwealth Government is funding human genomics to an unprecedented level, with $500 million allocated in the recent budget.  Yet this is a miniscule amount compared to private investment.  Direct-to-consumer marketing of human genomics is touted as the next growth area in biotechnology investment.

The 'genomic editing' of babies in China caused an international scandal, rocking the world of medicine - and health economics.

It is now possible to re-edit the human genome to eliminate disease and undesirable traits.  The genie is out of the bottle.  Will our next generation be one of genetic 'haves and have-nots?'  What does this technology mean for developed countries with rapidly-falling birth rates?  Will the quest for human perfection - and commercial returns - overwhelm all ethical concerns?

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 22 May, 2019
Time: 6:00pm- 8:00pm
Location: Commonwealth Club, 25 Forster Crescent Yarralumla, Canberra
Cost: $0 members $25.00 non-members 

* Canapes and drinks will be served

Speaker Bio:

Professor Steve Robson MD PhD FRCOG

Steve Robson is Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the Australian National University, and the senior clinician on the National Health and Medical Research Commission (NHMRC)Human Embryo Research Licencing Committee.  He is at the forefront of regulation of these new technologies in Australia and globally.

Steve is immediate past-President of RANZCOG. He is a general obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Canberra.  Steve's special interests include reproductive medicine and IVF. He is the co-founder of the maternal health charity Send Hope (www.sendhope.org) and is a member of Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council. Steve is Chair of the FIGO 2021 Local Organising Committee.  

Thank you to our generous sponsor Capital Genomics.