The potential uses and impacts of gene drive technologies have garnered increasing interest at the international and national levels across the world. As part of the effort to contribute to an informed debate around gene drive technologies, the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research and the ISAAA are organizing a new Gene Drive Webinar Series. The first webinar titled Genetic Tools For Conservation and Health: What's The Role of Gene Drives? is scheduled on November 16, 2023, 2 PM GMT+8. The registration is now open to all interested participants.

The series is focused on specific countries and aims to promote a productive and balanced conversation on the benefits and risks of possible gene drive applications relevant to national priorities. Kicking off this series is the Philippines, a country that has consistently led biotechnology research and regulation in Asia, and is instrumental in shaping the region's perspectives on innovative technologies and scientific expertise. This first webinar will acquaint attendees with the fundamentals of gene drive and its significance for global health and conservation, presenting some of its prevailing applications under consideration.

After the webinar, the participants will be equipped with updates on:

• - major health challenges in the Philippines
• - invasive alien species in the Philippines
• - contribution of gene drives in eliminating vector-borne diseases
• - role of gene drive tools in fighting biodiversity loss

The roster of experts that will serve as resource speakers includes Dr. Nina Gloriani, St. Luke's Medical Centre; Dr. Carmelita Villamor, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau; Dr. Brian Tarimo, Ifakara Health Institute; and Prof. Paul Thomas, University of Adelaide. ISAAA-BioTrust Global Coordinator Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan will be the moderator of the discussions.

Attendance at this event is open to all and free of charge. Register now on Zoom to reserve a slot.

https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=20499