Humans have been breeding animals and plants for thousands of years to exploit desired genetic traits. Today, new animal breeds and plant varieties still play an important role in agriculture. The tools of modern breeding also include genetic engineering and, more recently, the CRISPR/Cas9 molecular scissors. These tools are mostly based on natural processes of bacteria that are converted for other applications. Synthetic biology also uses genetic engineering tools. However, in comparison to breeding, it aims to create new biological systems or components from them in a planned and controlled manner. Are breeding, genetic engineering and synthetic biology “natural” or “artificial”? To what extent do “naturalness” and “artificiality” play a role when we assess the potential, the risks and our acceptance of such applications?

Together with the participants, three experts will shed light on these and other questions from different perspectives in an interactive discussion format.

Humans have been breeding animals and plants for thousands of years to exploit desired genetic traits. Today, new animal breeds and plant varieties still play an important role in agriculture. The tools of modern breeding also include genetic engineering and, more recently, the CRISPR/Cas9 molecular scissors. These tools are mostly based on natural processes of bacteria that are converted for other applications. Synthetic biology also uses genetic engineering tools. However, in comparison to breeding, it aims to create new biological systems or components from them in a planned and controlled manner. Are breeding, genetic engineering and synthetic biology “natural” or “artificial”? To what extent do “naturalness” and “artificiality” play a role when we assess the potential, the risks and our acceptance of such applications?

Together with the participants, three experts will shed light on these and other questions from different perspectives in an interactive discussion format.