PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD THE USE OF GENE DRIVES IN AGRICULTURE AND THE VALUES THAT DRIVE THEM

Developments in molecular biology have enhanced the possibility of creating gene drives useful in solving intractable pest control problems in agriculture. this proposal provides the foundation for public engagement by developing information about public attitudes regarding agricultural gene drives, ascertaining the values underlying those attitudes, and analyzing the informal, formal, and legally binding governance structures that provide public engagement opportunities permitting appropriate consideration of these attitudes and values. we will conduct eight virtual focus groups to identify the considerations and values that drive attitudes about gene drives. we will field a nationally representative survey regarding public views of agricultural uses of gene drives and their expectations and preferences regarding the representation of their values within the structures and processes that govern gene drives. we will use an experiment to test hypotheses about the specific attributes of gene drives that best conform to expressed public attitudes and values. simultaneously, we will analyze the structures and processes governing gene drives and identify best practices for efficient, effective, equitable public engagement. we will convene a culminating workshop to engage regulators, funding and research organizations, and advocates in a facilitated discussion of the findings and issues raised by the project. the results of the project will inform researchers, funding organizations and decision makers about public views of the different attributes and proposed uses of gene drive technology within agriculture, will inform best practices for public engagement, and will inform gene drive co-development processes to ensure that they directly reflect public values and attitudes.