This case study looks into recent developments with regard to the CRISPR/Cas9 and other novel genome editing technologies that are becoming widely available thanks to their low costs and modest technological requirements.Responsible research and innovation Genome editing allows the specific modification of a genome; genes are modified within their respective location in the genome, making the changes often indistinguishable from natural mutations. Developments of this technology such as the use of gene drives, where specific genes are spread within populations, or the use of viral vector systems, are enabling additional applications in environmental engineering and disease treatment. There are substantial individual and societal benefits from applying genome editing; nonetheless the technology also poses significant risks to individuals, society as a whole and the environment.The central focus of this case study is on the unresolved ethical issues related to safety and security that pose both short-term and long-term challenges to international research partnerships. As such, the case study focuses not on a single incident but on the risks in the proliferation of a new and very powerful technology at a time when accepted and tailored ethical and legal frameworks at the international, national and local level are missing.In the case study two areas of safety risks are mapped and existing governance approaches described: first, risks to humans, for example in relation to therapeutic applications of genome editing; second, risks to the environment in relation to the use of genome editing on animals, plants and microbes. In addition, two aspects of security risks are also assessed: first, the creation of harmful agents relevant in the