Jennifer Doudna on gene editing and the unthinkable power to control evolution

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Berkeley biochemist Jennifer Doudna joins oncologist Siddartha Mukherjee to discuss unprecedented advancements in gene editing and the effect new technologies will have on the future of humanity.

Jennifer Doudna (UC Berkeley photo by Keegan Houser)

The significance of Dr. Doudna’s research is difficult to overstate. It has led to what is being called the biggest scientific discovery of our era: the development of the genetic editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9. This revolutionary technology has quickly transformed the landscape of genome engineering, creating limitless possibilities for impact within biomedicine, agriculture, climate and energy, and more, including treating — and possibly curing — genetic diseases.

Dr. Mukherjee is a celebrated physician and researcher. His book, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 2011, was named one of the 100 most influential books written in English since 1923 by TIME magazine, and was listed as one of the 100 notable books of 2010 by the New York Times magazine.

Dr. Doudna, author of A Crack in Creation, and Dr. Mukherjee, who in 2016 published The Gene: An Intimate History, share a passion for engaging in public dialogue and welcome you to join the conversation.

This conversation, which took place on Jan. 18, 2018, was sponsored by the Innovative Genomics Institute and recorded by Educational Technology Services.

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