Holistic Foundations for Assessment and Regulation of Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified OrganismsDate: 28 July – 08 August 2008Venue: Science Park/University of Tromsø, NorwayTopics include:Holistic overview of genetics, genes and gene expressionHazard identification and molecular characterisationCritical evaluation of characterisation and profiling toolsSampling dynamicsRisk assessment case studiesPractical sessions in writing a risk evaluation that meets the Cartagena Protocol requirementsHorizontal gene transfer (HGT) from GMOsVarious application areas for genetic engineeringVarious risk areas connected to GE applications/GMOsEconomic and legal aspects of GE applications/GMOsSocio-cultural, ethical, and political issues in GE applications/GMOsPolicy and regulatory issues, including capacity building and biosafety implementationFuture and emerging GE applicationsGene ecology and alternatives to GE/GMO applicationsBackgroundThe Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety seeks to protect human health (including food safety) and biodiversity from the potential risks created by the use and dissemination of living “Genetically Modified Organisms” (GMOs), while taking into account socio-economic considerations. Implementation of biosafety regulation is therefore the focus of many countries to establish such safeguards. However, the process of implementing the Protocol has unveiled a limited capacity for science-based hazard identification that is necessary to perform risk assessments, including a holistic understanding of the policy, legal, regulatory, ethical, economic and social dimensions, which is also lacking in many cases.Performing credible and relevant biological risk assessments requires multi-disciplinary scientific and social scientific competence that considers the local context of GMO introductions. Each country requires the capacity for general scientific risk assessment and management, tailored to their particular environmental, health, and community needs. Moreover, there is a need to assess GMOs developed domestically, or imported purposely or accidentally from others, into the context of their special cultural, ethical, socio-economic and policy frameworks. Such initiatives will require holistic approaches to develop adequate integration of diverse issues in the regulation of GMOs.About the courseThe course is designed to provide policy makers, regulators, scientists and NGOs/civil society leaders, specifically from developing countries (ODA-countries), the knowledge and training necessary to develop a holistic view on the issues surrounding GMOs. The goal is to empower the participants with balanced information on GMOs, in order to fairly, yet critically, evaluate the issue from their own perspective and country needs. Lectures, laboratory demonstrations, group work on case studies and discussions will form the basis of the course, which aims to offer biosafety capacity building within a holistic framework. Participants will also be required to submit a GE/GMO/biosafety country report in order to more broadly share their local experiences of the current status of GMOs/biosafety with other participants.Eligibility and selection processThe course application form must be filled out entirely and with as much detail as possible. The applicant must provide information about the type/level of position they are holding, and state the basis for their interest in the course. In addition, a brief CV is required for consideration.The working language of the course will be English only, and as such, applicants should be able to work sufficiently well in English in both oral and written communications.Preference will be given to applicants from developing (ODA) countries. Gender, occupation and regional criteria are also used in the selection of participants in order to achieve representational balance. The selection committee usually completes the selection by 1 May.Applications are due by 1 April 2008.Costs and expensesFull sponsorship will be offered to 40 selected applicants from developing (ODA) countries. The sponsorship will cover curricular materials, course-associated travel, visa-fees, accommodation and meals.The course has additional 15 places available to participants from all countries that are able to secure their own sponsorship/funding. The course fee of US$ 1200 includes curricular materials, lunch (13 days), opening/farewell ceremony, local transport and social activities. In addition, self-financing participants will also have to pay for their travel and accommodation (hotel NOK 875/night (approx. US $160) incl. breakfast and dinner buffet). Applications for self-financed places should be submitted by 1 June 2008. The places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Participants must be prepared to pay course fee when registering.How to apply:the online (electronic) application form can be filled out at : (remember to e-mail your CV)http://www.genok.org/applicationordownloaded (word-format) from: http://felles.siteman.no/genok.org/filarkiv/File/applicationformGenok.docE-mail application form/CV to: biosafety08@genok.orgContact information:Project Manager Katrine JaklinE-mail: katrine.jaklin@genok.orgPhone: +47 77 64 55 46Fax: +47 77 64 61 00Web: www.genok.orgFurther information about ODA-countries: www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclistThis course is organized by GenØk – Centre for Biosafety in collaboration with Third World Network and Centre for Integrated Research on Biosafety, Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand. The course is funded by the Norwegian Agency of Development Cooperation (Norad).