 | Aaron Roberts PhD Candidate, Graduate Research Assistant - Institute on Ethics and Policy for Innovation, McMaster University |
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04.07.2022-29.07.2022
PhD Thesis - Normative Analysis of a Gene Drive Application: Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Elimination in Africa
For my dissertation I have begun mapping out four independent publications, each addressing a fundamental ethical question related to gene drive technology’s use as a tool in the fight to eliminate malaria, and each of which will form a chapter of my dissertation:
1. What norms, rules, and obligations ought to govern the release of synthetic gene drive carrying mosquitos? How do these relate to affected human communities and to the environment?
2. What is the moral standing or relevance of an insect species, and what bearing does this have on the types of bioengineering interventions we can ethically deploy?
3. What ought to be the extent, nature, and role of consent or authorization, sought from individuals or communities affected by the release of mosquitoes carrying synthetic gene drives?
4. What is owed to neighboring states? How best to navigate the issue of international transboundary movement of gene drive mosquitoes?
These questions form the ground of some of the most pertinent and pressing international debates being had around the issue of gene drive applications for malaria elimination.
I hope to enjoy three valuable benefits while completing research and writing at the Brocher Foundation:
i. The opportunity to connect and collaborate on some aspect/s of my dissertation with knowledgable members of the WHO; located in convenient proximity to the Brocher campus.
ii. Conversations with researchers from various international backgrounds and the opportunity therein to glean and share insights, and hopefully to make lasting friendships and professional connections.
iii. Space and time to focus on research and writing without all of the distractions that everyday life constantly throws our way.
Aaron Roberts is an early career researcher working at the intersection of bioethics and global health policy. He is currently completing his PhD in philosophy with a focus on applied ethics and policy at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. In addition, he is a Graduate Research Assistant at McMaster's Institute on Ethics & Policy for Innovation (https://iepi.mcmaster.ca/) where he is responsible for conducting research and providing critical analysis and high-quality synthesis on a wide range of topics related to ethical issues in global health and development research. Aaron also serves on McMaster's Research Ethics Board and as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Bioethics Society.
At the core of his research interests are questions pertaining to ethical, social, and cultural issues surrounding and arising from innovative technologies and methodologies. Currently, his research is focused on ethics and policy issues pertaining to applications of engineered gene drive biotechnologies in mosquitoes for malaria elimination.
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