This event provides a platform for discussion and exchange on political, scientific, and ethical issues related to genetic engineering in animals and plants. Organised by research teams within the Swiss National Research Programmes NRP 84 (Plant Breeding Innovation) and NRP 79 (Advancing 3R), the event brings together participants and speakers from diverse backgrounds to discuss the balancing of interests at play in plant and animal research.

In the morning, invited speakers will present different perspectives on the challenges of animal and plant genetic engineering, considering scientific, ethical, and policy aspects. A panel discussion will then bring the speakers together to reflect on shared questions and differing viewpoints. 

In the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to join an interactive workshop that builds on the morning’s discussions, allowing them to engage directly with the speakers, share ideas, and consider how diverse interests are addressed and balanced in the regulation of genetic modification in animals and plants.

Registration

Please register for the event via the contact form below. The registration deadline is 15 March 2026.

Speakers in alphabetical order

Dr. Samuel Camenzind, University of Vienna and Federal Ethics Committee on Non-Human Biotechnology
Dr. iur. Vanessa Gerritsen, Stiftung für das Tier im Recht
Dr. med. vet. Otto Maissen, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office
Claire Robinson, GMWatch
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Soyk, University of Lausanne
Dr. Martin Wasmer / Dr. Christoph Lüthi, Federal Office for the Environment

Organizers

Eva De Clercq, University of Basel
Bettina Zimmermann, University of Basel
Kirsten Persson, University of Basel
Marco De Pascali Pepe, University of Basel
Philippe Mathys, University of Basel
Christian Rodriguez, University of Basel

For any question regarding the event please contact us at philippe.mathys@clutterunibas.ch or use the contact form.