Experts' moral views on gene drive technologies: a qualitative interview study.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Genetics
• Bioethics

Background:

• Gene drive technologies (GDTs) offer potential for controlling pests and diseases but face significant ethical debate.
• The moral convictions of experts developing GDTs and related policies remain underexplored in academic literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and understand the moral views of experts involved in gene drive technologies.
• To explore the underlying convictions shaping expert opinions on GDT deployment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving thematic analysis of interviews with 33 gene drive technology experts from diverse disciplines.
• Pseudonymized transcripts were used to ensure confidentiality.

Main Results:

• Expert moral views are influenced by attitudes toward uncertainty, comparison with alternative solutions, and human intervention in nature.
• Disagreement exists on whether uncertainty warrants halting trials versus proceeding with phased testing.
• Experts differ on the feasibility and sufficiency of conventional ('downstream') versus systemic ('upstream') solutions for target problems.

Conclusions:

• This study clarifies the debate on GDTs by revealing the moral views of key experts.
• Findings highlight the need for addressing underlying value conflicts and conducting further normative reflection for responsible GDT development.