Development of gene drives to control mosquito vectors of disease has rapidly accelerated in recent years, and these efforts may soon culminate in gene drive systems ready for open field testing. The success of gene drive and other novel vector control approaches will depend on design decisions, oversight, and plans for field testing and deployment that meet the needs of various stakeholders, including residents of affected areas and the general public, but there is little agreement about how best to obtain informed public input. In a recent analysis of engagement initiatives for novel vector control approaches, our group found that for many initiatives, there was a lack of documentation, and for initiatives that were documented, many had vaguely articulated goals that were not clearly linked to either the methods used or the stage of technological development. The goal of this study is to develop a robust conceptual framework for public engagement to guide the development of gene drives and other emerging technologies from early proof of concept through field trials to deployment. The framework we produce will be generalizable to other novel and exceptional technologies.
Each aim of the proposed project is supported by prior published work conducted by our group and observations from preliminary data.
In Specific Aim 1, we will conduct a systematic landscape analysis of engagement initiatives for existing novel genetic and other vector control technologies, including gene drive.
In Specific Aim 2, we will formulate a public engagement framework that aligns stage of product development with engagement timing, methods, messages, and goals.
In Specific Aim 3, we will obtain informed expert and public input on the engagement framework and use the input to refine and finalize the framework. This contribution will be significant because it will provide the foundation for a coherent and comprehensive approach to public engagement for gene drive and other novel and emerging technologies, thereby ensuring the successful translation of novel innovations to address critical public health problems. The approach is innovative in engaging both experts and a demographically and geographically diverse sample of members of the public, including both English and Spanish speakers. The work is feasible in our hands because our team of established investigators has a track record of successful multidisciplinary research projects related to public engagement for novel vector control interventions, as well as expertise in ethical, social, and policy issues related to gene drive.
Gene drive and other forms of genetic modification of vectors are promising tools for controlling the spread of vector borne disease and improving public health across the globe. Although the success of these approaches will depend on design decisions, oversight, and plans for field testing and deployment that meet the needs of various stakeholders, including residents of affected areas and the general public, there is little agreement about how best to obtain informed public input. The goal of this study is to develop a robust conceptual framework for public engagement to guide the development of gene drives and other emerging technologies from early proof of concept through field trials to deployment. This guiding framework will mitigate the risk of public rejection of promising but controversial technologies.
