Biophysical Society Bulletin | May 2019

Public Affairs

Biophysical Society and Congressman Foster host Jennifer Doudna for CRISPR-101 Briefing On March 13 the Biophysical Society (BPS) and Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11) hosted Jennifer Doudna for a CRISPR-101 Congressional Briefing. The briefing received interest from more than 60 Congressional offices. “It is crucial that policymakers understand both the opportunities and the challenges that the CRISPR/Cas9 technology holds for our future,” said Rep. Foster. “The CRISPR technology we heard about today has the potential to positively impact global efforts to combat climate change, disease, and hunger. It also has the potential to be used for unregulated genetic engineering of humans and to enable dangerous new classes of biological weapons. It’s critical that we continue to support basic science so that we can maintain our leadership as a country of innovation and discovery.”

As an internationally renowned and award-winning professor of chemistry and molecular and cell biology at the University of California-Berkeley, Doudna and her colleagues rocked the research world in 2012 by first describing CRISPR gene ed- iting, widely acknowledged as the scientific breakthrough of the century, and strongly advocating for its responsible use. “I appreciate the opportunity to join the Biophysical Society and Congressman Bill Foster to discuss CRISPR genome edit- ing,” said Doudna. “This revolutionary technology is the result of fundamental scientific research. As we consider how to ethically and safely apply CRISPR, it is important that policy- makers continue to support basic research so that scientists can develop the vital medical cures, better food production, and alternative energy resources that our society needs.” The briefing provided a broad overview of the technology and discussed its ethical use and patenting issues. From left, Sean Winkler, BPS, Rep. Foster, Jennifer Doudna, Jennifer Pesanelli, BPS

September 19, 2019 Annually the Biophysical Society participates in the Rally for Medical Research, which brings over 200 scientific research and patient advocacy organizations together to call on our nation’s policymakers to prioritize medical research. Last year, BPS members from Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Mississippi participated in the day. BPS offers travel funds to members interested in participating. To express interest in the 2019 event, please contact Eric Sunderberg at esundberg@ihv. umaryland.edu.

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May 2019

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