What we’re about
Subject: Join Us for a Thought-Provoking Discussion on the Ethics of Synthetic Biology!
Dear Synthetic Biology & Interested Atlantean Community Members,
As Atlanta becomes a hub for synthetic biology and life sciences innovation (https://www.ajc.com/news/science-square-at-georgia-tech-celebrates-construction-milestone/C34O2U52ZREGFL3SVMGM4FEW5U/), we feel it necessary to start our group with the Hippocratic Oath: "first, do no harm."
Additionally, there is a dearth of life sciences and synthetic biology meetups in Atlanta especially when we compare this to other transformative technologies like AI. We exist to create a bridge between lay people, business people, curious people, and the scientific community so that everyone can cross pollinate and so we can lift each other up as a community.
Alas, we are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming meetup event, where we will delve into the fascinating world of synthetic biology and explore its ethical implications. Our discussion will center around two influential works: Dana Goodyear's thought-provoking article in The New Yorker, "The Transformative, Alarming Power of Gene Editing," and Henry T. Greely's enlightening book, "CRISPR People."
Event Details:
- Title: Exploring the Ethics of Synthetic Biology
- Date: Thursday October 19th, 2023
- Time: 6PM
- Location: Larakin (208 12th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
Agenda:
-
Welcome and Introductions (15 minutes):
-We'll kick off the event with introductions and a brief overview of
the evening's agenda. -
Discussion on Dana Goodyear's Article (15 minutes):
-We will delve into Goodyear's New Yorker article, which explores
the transformative and alarming power of gene editing. We'll
dissect key points and share our thoughts on the ethical
dilemmas raised. -
Discussion on "CRISPR People" by Henry T. Greely (15 minutes):
-We will turn our attention to Greely's book, "CRISPR People,"
which offers a comprehensive examination of the CRISPR
technology and its implications for humanity. We'll discuss the
book's key themes and consider how they relate to real-world
applications. -
Open Floor Discussion (15 minutes):
-This is your opportunity to share your insights, questions, and
concerns about synthetic biology and its ethical dimensions. We
encourage a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives. -
Closing Remarks and Networking (15 minutes):
-We'll wrap up the formal discussion and open the floor for
networking and further conversations with fellow attendees.
RSVP:
Please RSVP to this event by October 16th EOD to ensure we have enough space and materials for everyone. We want to make sure this event is as engaging and informative as possible.
How to Prepare:
- Read Dana Goodyear's article, "The Transformative, Alarming Power of Gene Editing," available on The New Yorker's website.
- If you have the opportunity, read/listen (Audible.com) Henry T. Greely's book, "CRISPR People," to gain deeper insights into the subject matter.
Refreshments:
Refreshments (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks are available for purchase during the event. Please see Larakin's website for more info (tip is included in the prices): https://www.larakinwineandcoffee.com/
This meetup promises to be an engaging and intellectually stimulating discussion on the ethics of synthetic biology. Whether you're well-versed in the topic or just starting to explore it, your perspective is valuable, and we look forward to your participation.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us via the meetup group's messaging platform. Please also post any questions that come up for you as you read the aforementioned article that would provoke lively discussion and I will be creating a Reddit Sub Thread where we can "up vote" the discussions topics on which we would like to focus.
We hope to see you there for what promises to be an enlightening discussion!
Warm regards,
Spencer W. Gordon
Synthetic Biology Meetup Host
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-w-gordon-97225618/