Over the last decade, we have witnessed technological leaps of a magnitude that exceeds our wildest dreams. In the life sciences, the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas gene editing tool has opened up possibilities for research and novel applications that inspire hope but also pose existential questions: which technologies should we develop, how can we make sure they serve humanity well, and which powers should rather be left untouched? Kevin Esvelt, director of the Sculpting Evolution Group at the MIT Media Lab, was confronted with such questions after developing a technology called gene drive, which has enormous potential for good, but could also forever alter life on earth. By changing the entire genetic code of a wild species such as malaria-spreading mosquitos, we could eradicate diseases and prevent millions of deaths. On the flipside, these interventions can be undertaken by researchers working on their own – and unlike medical research, people won’t be able to opt out of the effects. Clearly, it can’t be scientists alone who make such decisions with irrevocable consequences for all of civilisation. At Falling Walls, Kevin shares his personal experience of making an awe-inspiring discovery that turned him into a tireless advocate for a reformed, open, and responsive scientific system that closely works for and with all parts of the population.
Login Successful!
Thank you for the Login! Now you can add events to your personal schedule and participate in our live chat on selected events.
Almost there
- You've got mail!
Thank you for the Registration! Please check your mailbox. Simply click on the button in your email and you are successfully logged in.
With your Log-In you can save your favorite events to you calendar and give RSVP to certain events.
No email in your mailbox? Please check your spam folder or try again.
It seems you haven't registered yet!
Register now and become part of the event and the global Falling Walls Community. We will send you news about this and future events and keep you updated about the most exciting breakthroughs in science.
Our Privacy Policy applies.
You can withdraw your consent at any time free of charge and without giving reasons.
Enter your email for
free registration or login
Simply enter your email address to sign up for free for the event or log in to your account. You will directly receive an email allowing you to log in without a password.
Login failed
You want to login with an account which needs advanced authentification via password. Please use the regular login interface for this email address or register with a different email address for participating in the summit passwordless.
Login Successful!
Thank you for the Login! Now you can add events to your personal schedule and participate in our live chat on selected events.
Almost there
- You've got mail!
Thank you for the Registration! Please check your mailbox. Simply click on the button in your email and you are successfully logged in.
With your Log-In you can save your favorite events to you calendar and give RSVP to certain events.
No email in your mailbox? Please check your spam folder or try again.
It seems you haven't registered yet!
Register now and become part of the event and the global Falling Walls Community. We will send you news about this and future events and keep you updated about the most exciting breakthroughs in science.
Our Privacy Policy applies.
You can withdraw your consent at any time free of charge and without giving reasons.
Enter your email for
free registration or login
Simply enter your email address to sign up for free for the event or log in to your account. You will directly receive an email allowing you to log in without a password.
Login failed
You want to login with an account which needs advanced authentification via password. Please use the regular login interface for this email address or register with a different email address for participating in the summit passwordless.