The Era of Purposeful Genomic Manipulation Begins: Can DoD benefit?

The convergence of three new technologies – DNA sequencing, CRISPR-Cas, and machine learning – allows for the manipulation of a cell to give it a desired trait. This capability will enable the creation of genetically modified molecules to perform useful functions such as rendering a toxic chemical inert, tailored therapeutics to protect against a newly emerged pathogen, and heritable human genome editing to cure disease. A new report from CSIS warns that DoD will be profoundly challenged to incorporate these technologies. Absent policy changes, the U.S. domestic biotechnology sector is unlikely to translate its persistent leadership in discovery into a sustained capability to apply these technologies.

Given the implications of these technologies and Chinese efforts to ensure its excellence in these areas, this panel will explore how should DoD and the USG ensure the United States can compete in this arena. The discussion will include participation from Carol Kuntz, PhD, Adjunct Fellow (non-resident) in the Strategic Technologies Program at CSIS, Alexander Titus, PhD, VP of Strategy at Colossal Biosciences and former Assistant Director for Biotechnology at DoD and Jim Brase, Deputy Associate Director for Computation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.