The forum promotes a differentiated and objective approach to new developments in genetic research. To this end, it provides scientific information on a broad spectrum of socially relevant topics and, on this basis, promotes the dialogue between research, politics and society.more

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History

The Forum for Genetic Research was created in 1996 by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (called SCNAT since 2004) with the aim to contribute to the public debate launched by « Gene protection initiative », which was voted on in june 1998. The Forum then received the mission to provide scientific information – as objectively and finely nuanced as possibly – and as plate-form for discussion.
Until today, the activities of the Forum have evolved in the rhythm of its five presidencies – each characterized by specific directions and priorities, determined by developments in genetic research and their implications at a scientific, social, educational, political, legal and ethical level.

The five presidencies and their priorities could be summarized as follows :

  • Martine Jotterand (January 1996 - July 1999):
    perception, implications for society and ethics, dialogue between biological sciences and humanities
  • Daniel Schümperli (August 1999 - February 2004):
    risks, safetty, legislation, proposal for a national research project
  • Sandro Rusconi (Marc 2004 - March 2009):
    patentability, synthetic biology, biofarming, natural/artificial
  • Patrick Matthias (April 2009 - December 2020):
    gene technologies in agriculture, synthetic biology, « dual use » in biological research, genome editing, personalized health
  • Alexandre Reymond (since January 2021)
20 Jahre Forum Genforschung