Centre for Effective Altruism | Gene drive and the case for reforming research

Centre for Effective Altruism | Gene drive and the case for reforming research

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K. Esvelt, N. Labenz, G. Church,  Centre for Effective Altruism,  2017.

The wisdom with which we develop and deploy new technologies will define the future of our civilization. Why do we conduct research in small teams of specialists who cannot reliably anticipate consequences on their own? Might it be better to share our best ideas and plans with others, actively inviting concerns, criticism, and possible improvements? Unfortunately, the current system has evolved to punish sharing. By highlighting the benefits of an open approach and the dangers of the status quo, gene drive may allow us to test a new approach and change the governing incentives.