14^th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms

The International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms (ISBGMO) was a biennial, international meeting organized under the auspices of the International Society for Biosafety Research (ISBR), which has previously been hosted in South Africa, Germany, Canada, China, France, Korea, New Zealand, Argentina and the USA.

The goal of ISBGMO14 was to advance the standing of biosafety research around the world and shape the ways in which genetically modified (GM) technology is applied and regulated. Over the course of four days, attendees learned from the past, discussed the present and looked ahead to future opportunities and challenges associated with GM technology.

Who attended?

ISBGMO14 brought together academics, technology developers, regulatory authorities, non-government organizations and other credible stakeholders involved in all aspects of biosafety and offers a unique opportunity to share information and experiences and engage in open and meaningful dialogue on biosafety research, risk analysis, policy and regulatory matters.

Why?

• Networking opportunities with 500+ professional colleagues representing 50 countries
• Relationship building with biosafety decision makers and innovators in academia, business, government and non-governmental organizations
• 10+ technical sessions over four days
• To present research during the poster session
• Outstanding keynote speakers, including Dr. Fred Gould, University Professor of Entomology & Co-Director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center of North Carolina State University; Dr. Sheila Jasanoff, Professor of Science & Technology Studies, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; and Professor Tim Benton, UK Champion for Global Food Security & Professor of Population Ecology, University of Leeds

The symposium featured sessions on:

• • Advancing ERA of GMOs – Learning from the Past to Further Advance ERA
  • Effects of vertical gene flow between GM plants and sexually compatible relatives – Dangerous liaisons?
  • Types of evidence and efforts necessary to inform the safety assessment of unintended effects in GM plants
  • Biosafety research, risk assessment experiences and capacity building in Latin America
  • Advancing ERA of GMOs – Present Challenges
  • ERA vs. ecological research – The relevance of a good problem formulation to ensure that gathered data are useful for ERA
  • Plant genome-editing – Any novel features to consider for ERA and regulation?
  • GMOs in IPM
  • Pecha Kucha Session
  • ERA of RNAi-based GM plants & data transportability
  • ERA studies/tools
  • Regulatory issues & data requirements
  • Gene drive and GM insects for pest control
  • Biosafety and ERA of GM algae
  • Capacities for the risk assessment of GMOs: Challenges to build sustainable systems
  • Advancing ERA of GMOs – Looking Ahead to Future Opportunities and Challenges

To view the full program, please visit the ISBGMO14 website.

Social Media

Follow along to @ISBGMO on Twitter for updates. #ISBGMO14 was the preferred hashtag for the 14th Annual Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms.