Workshop on Navigating Regulatory Pathways for Agricultural and Environmental Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMS 2026)

Organized by the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), the workshop “Navigating Regulatory Pathways for Agricultural and Environmental Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMS 2026)” was held in Berkeley, California from June 15-17, 2026. The IGI is a collaboration among the University of California Berkeley, the University of San Francisco, and the University of California Davis and develops genome engineering technologies to address challenges in human health, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. The workshop convened 50 regulators, researchers, and technology developers representing 11 countries to discuss the scientific and regulatory landscape and risk assessment strategies for genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) in agricultural and environmental applications.

Many existing regulatory frameworks, originally developed for conventional chemicals or plant biotechnology, are being challenged to keep pace with an increasingly diverse range of microbial products, which has contributed to greater divergence within and between global regulatory frameworks. Through a series of breakout sessions, participants examined several case studies highlighting how countries classify and regulate GEMs. These discussions illustrated how differing regulatory approaches can either facilitate or hinder innovation and identified opportunities for greater alignment in science-based decision making. Representing the Agriculture and Food Systems Institute (AFSI), Dr. Andrew Roberts moderated a discussion on exploring pathways toward greater global regulatory convergence. Dr. Sarah Richards and Dr. Vibha Ahuja were also in attendance. The workshop highlighted a critical need for continued international dialogue to improve regulatory consistency while maintaining robust safety standards for humans and the environment.