Talking About Gene Drive in Uganda: The Need for Science Communication to Underpin Engagement

Hartley, Sarah; Stelmach, Aleksandra; Opesen, Chris; Openjuru, George Ladaah; Neema, Stella

doi:10.1177/10755470241234048

Science Communication

2024

DOI: 10.1177/10755470241234048

|View full text |Cite

Talking About Gene Drive in Uganda: The Need for Science Communication to Underpin Engagement

Sarah Hartley,

Aleksandra Stelmach,

Chris Opesen

et al.

Abstract: Uganda may host the world’s first field trials of gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control. Global North discourses pre-suppose African publics have access to information about gene drive and are ready to make decisions about its governance. We explore assumptions about the availability of this information in Uganda. We find a paucity of information available combined with a strong desire for information from lay publics. We discuss these findings in the context of Ugandan information infrastructures and poli… Show more

Help me understand this report

Search citation statements

Order By: Relevance

Paper Sections

Select...

Citation Types

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Year Published

2024

Publication Types

Select...

Article2

Relationship

Self Cite0

Independent2

Authors

Journals

Cited by 2 publications

References 63 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

Beyond Deliberation: Alternative Forms of Public (Dis)engagement With Science

Losi

2024

Science Communication

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This study explores alternative forms of public engagement with science through 25 semi-structured interviews with England-based participants from demographic groups traditionally associated with low levels of engagement. When considering established ways to engage with science, informants do not identify themselves as engaged and provide pragmatic reasons for their disengagement. However, as they elaborate on their personal experiences with science, they realize that science is more woven into their lives than initially acknowledged. The results underscore the pivotal role of personal perceptions and experiences in shaping (dis)engagement, emphasizing the interplay between these perceptions and science institutions, and challenging the conventional framework.

show abstract

Beyond Deliberation: Alternative Forms of Public (Dis)engagement With Science

Losi

2024

Science Communication

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Navigating biosafety regulatory frameworks for genetic engineering in Africa: a focus on genome editing and gene drive technologies

Rabuma,

Moronta-Barrios,

Craig

2024

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Genome editing and gene drive technologies are increasingly gaining attraction in Africa, with researchers exploring their potential applications in agriculture, health and the environment. Acknowledging that robust regulatory frameworks are crucial in facilitating the development and utilization of these technologies, informed decision-making is, however, being impeded by the fragmented information availability and readiness of regulatory authorities on the continent.ObjectivesThis study investigates the regulatory frameworks governing genome editing and gene drive technologies in African countries, identifies common regulatory challenges and proposes actionable solutions.MethodsPrimary data were collected through questionnaires and complemented by analysing existing biosafety regulations from online databases and scientific literature.ResultsOur findings suggest that while a few African countries have recently updated their regulatory frameworks, many are still under discussion. Challenges to development and implementation include limited resources, expertise, awareness, and public resistance.ConclusionThe findings underscore the urgent need for further development in regulatory capacities. By shedding light on these challenges, our study could provide African regulators with valuable insights to guide the formulation of effective regulatory frameworks. Such frameworks are essential for harnessing the potential of genome editing and gene drive technologies while safeguarding human health and the environment in Africa.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Talking About Gene Drive in Uganda: The Need for Science Communication to Underpin Engagement

Cited by 2 publications

References 63 publications

Beyond Deliberation: Alternative Forms of Public (Dis)engagement With Science

Beyond Deliberation: Alternative Forms of Public (Dis)engagement With Science

Navigating biosafety regulatory frameworks for genetic engineering in Africa: a focus on genome editing and gene drive technologies

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About