The Bioethics Observatory recently hosted a groundbreaking conference on genetics that drew over a hundred experts and attendees from around the world.
On July 4, the Bioethics Observatory at the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV) organized the Congress “Genetic research: possibilities and risks. An approach from bioethics”. The event delved into the ethical implications of the latest scientific advancements in genetics.
The opening remarks were made by José Manuel Pagán, the rector of the Catholic University of Valencia, who commended the Observatory for its contribution to science dissemination. Pagán stressed the importance of addressing these complex issues from a university perspective and encouraged continuous learning in this area.
Julio Tudela, the Director of the Bioethics Observatory, highlighted the caliber of the experts presenting at the conference, emphasizing the need for credibility and scientific rigor in bioethics.
Epigenetics and genome editing
The conference was kickstarted by renowned experts in the field, Nicolás Jouve and Luis Franco, who shared insights on epigenetics and genome editing respectively. They shed light on the ethical dilemmas arising from these scientific breakthroughs.
Franco discussed the ethical aspects of epigenetics, highlighting the influence of environmental factors on health and the responsibility it entails. Jouve delved into the ethical uncertainties associated with genome editing, emphasizing the need for caution in its applications.
Bioengineering and gene therapy
Nuria Montserrat and Juan Roberto Rodríguez-Madoz explored the potential of human mini-organs through bioengineering and its implications in gene therapy. They discussed the ethical considerations surrounding the use of organoids in medical research.
Rodríguez-Madoz touched upon the therapeutic applications of gene editing systems based on CRISPR, stressing the importance of responsible use of this technology.
Ethical limits in genetic manipulation
The afternoon session addressed the ethical challenges of genetic manipulation, with experts like Vicente Bellver, Federico de Montalvo, and Íñigo De Miguel providing valuable insights. They discussed the ethical, legal, and social implications of gene editing and highlighted the need for stringent regulations in this field.
De Miguel raised concerns about the potential social inequalities that genetic editing may bring and emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in its implementation.
