Designing a “Solution-Focused” Governance Paradigm for Synthetic Biology: Toward Improved Risk Assessment and Creative Regulatory Design

Finkel, Adam M.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-27264-7_9

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 46 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In determining the feasibility of a solution, its net risk must be taken into account. Consequently, a solution-focused risk assessment methodology is required to compare the risks and benefits of various alternative solutions to ascertain whether utilizing biological samples and data for research constitutes the optimal solution ( Finkel, 2020 ); even if it is not the optimal solution, it may still be worth developing under a regulation rather than suspending or even prohibiting it. The responsibility for regulating the risks associated with HBs primarily falls upon the operator’s self-adherence to operational standards, ethical norms, and internal regulatory mechanisms.…”

Section: Schemes For the Establishment And Reinforcement Of Public Tr...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A leap of faith: building the trust in human biobanks

Zhang,

Liao,

Lei

2023

Front. Genet.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Human biobanks are an essential resource for contemporary medical research, crucial in treating and preventing human diseases and improving health. Public trust in human biobanks is a vital social prerequisite for their continued operation and related research.Methods: Drawing on the “leap of faith” theory proposed by Georg Simmel and Guido Möllering, this paper first examines the relationship between public trust and human biobanks and the process through which such trust is established. Subsequently, based on the results of this analysis, targeted policy recommendations are put forward to consolidate or enhance public trust in human biobanks.Results: Public trust in human biobanks stems from certain “good reasons,” through which uncertainty and vulnerability are “suspended” by faith, leading to a leap toward the “land of expectations.” In this progress, the critical factors in building and enhancing public trust in human biobanks are the public’s propensity to trust, the inherent trustworthiness of human biobanks, and the security and interactivity of the trust environment.Conclusion: Public trust in human biobanks cannot be determined by any universal formula, as it is influenced by many factors, including intangible elements such as faith that defy empirical understanding. Nonetheless, public trust in human biobanks can be enhanced through measures such as fostering the public’s propensity to trust, enhancing the inherent trustworthiness of human biobanks, establishing structural safeguards for the trust environment through ethical norms, systems, and supervision, and promoting public participation.

show abstract

Section: Schemes For the Establishment And Reinforcement Of Public Tr...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A leap of faith: building the trust in human biobanks

Zhang,

Liao,

Lei

2023

Front. Genet.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

A “solution-focused” comparative risk assessment of conventional and synthetic biology approaches to control mosquitoes carrying the dengue fever virus

et al. 2018

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Emerging technologies often pose various uncertain health risks that cause policymakers to hesitate to allow resultant products and processes to enter the market-but they also may offer large benefits, including the potential to greatly reduce some of the very risks currently most greatly affecting public health and the environment. Synthetic biology serves as one such emerging technology that, despite its potential benefits to various fields, gives policymakers pause until the human and environmental health risks posed by genetically engineered organisms are better characterized and assessed. Given various limitations of our current paradigm for making risk management decisions, some of which are caused by limitations of conventional methods of quantitative risk assessment (QRA), a modified approach to emerging technology characterization and assessment might be a needed step change. This paper demonstrates how one such approach-"solution-focused risk assessment" (Finkel, Hum Ecol Risk Assess 17(4):754-787, 2011)-can help evaluate synthetic biology products against conventional competitors. Specifically, this paper conducts a SFRA for Oxitec's engineered Aedes aegypti mosquito, which serves as a synthetic biology option for dengue virus vector control.

show abstract

Designing a “Solution-Focused” Governance Paradigm for Synthetic Biology: Toward Improved Risk Assessment and Creative Regulatory Design

Cited by 2 publications

References 46 publications

A leap of faith: building the trust in human biobanks

A leap of faith: building the trust in human biobanks

A “solution-focused” comparative risk assessment of conventional and synthetic biology approaches to control mosquitoes carrying the dengue fever virus

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About