HOLISTIC FOUNDATIONS FOR ASSESSMENT AND REGULATION OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
Date: 31 July – 11 August 2006
Venue: Science Park/University of Tromsø, Norway
TOPICS INCLUDE:
* Holistic overview of genetics, genes and gene expression
* Genome sequencing, bioinformatics and functional genomics
* Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from GMOs
* Various application areas for genetic engineering
* Various risk areas connected to GE applications/GMOs
* Economic and legal aspects of GE applications/GMOs
* Socio-cultural, ethical, and political issues in GE applications/GMOs
* Policy and regulatory issues, including capacity building and biosafety implementation
* Future and emerging GE applications
* Alternatives to GE/GMO applications and gene ecology
* Laboratory practicals on PCR and HGT into bacterial and mammalian cells
* Risk assessment review practicals of actual GMO applications
BACKGROUND
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety seeks to protect human health, the environment, and socio-economic conditions from the potential risks posed by the use and movement of “Genetically Modified Organisms” (GMOs). Implementation of biosafety regulation is therefore the focus of many countries to establish such safeguards. However, the process of implementing the Protocol has unveiled the lack of basic scientific knowledge necessary to perform risk assessments, and a holistic understanding of the policy, legal, regulatory, ethical, economic and social dimensions is also lacking in many cases.
Performing credible biological risk assessments requires multi-disciplinary scientific and social scientific competence that considers the local context of GMO introductions. Each country needs to be able to conduct general scientific risk assessment and management,
and also specifically tailor these to their particular environmental, health, and safety conditions and 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 regulation over the use of GMOs.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The course is designed to provide policy makers, regulators, scientists and NGOs/civil society leaders, specifically from developing countries (Official Development Assistance-countries), with the necessary balanced and critical knowledge and training in crucial GE/GMO issues. Through lectures, laboratory demonstrations, group work on case studies, and discussions, we 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 PROCESS
The 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 countries (ODA-countries). Gender and regional criteria are also used in the selection of participants in order to achieve representational balance.
Applications are due by 17 APRIL 2006.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Full sponsorship will be given to 40 selected applicants. Priority will be given to applicants from developing countries (ODA-countries). The sponsorship will cover curricular materials, course-associated travel, visa-fees, accommodation and meals.
The course has 20 places available to applicants from all countries that are able to secure their own sponsorship/funding. The course fee of $1000 USD includes curricular materials, lunch (13 days), opening/farewell ceremony, local transport and social activities. In addition, non-sponsored participants will also have to pay for their
travel and accommodation (hotel approx. US $120/night incl. breakfast and dinner). Applications for non-sponsored places should be submitted by 20 June 2006.
HOW TO APPLY
The online (electronic) application form can be filled out at:
http://www.genok.org/english/application.html or
Download and e-mail this form:
http://www.e-newsmailer.com/uploads/76.w3X4wDdfl9sIBzsAZqC938oLP/Biosafe
ty%20course/applicationformGenok.doc
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology (GenØk)
Att: Katrine Jaklin
Science Park, PB.6418
N-9291 Tromsø
Norway
E-mail: biosafety@genok.org
Phone: +47 77 64 55 46
Fax: +47 77 64 61 00
Web: www.genok.org
Further information about ODA-countries: www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist