Recent scientific advances have made genome editing technologies—a suite of biological tools for making precise additions, deletions, and alterations to the DNA and RNA of living cells-- more rapid, efficient, and flexible than ever before. These advances have spurred an explosion of interest in using genome editing as a research tool in the environmental health sciences.

This workshop will bring together experts in molecular biology, toxicology, and public health to explore opportunities for using genome (and epigenome) editing technologies in environmental health research. Participants will discuss genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and their applications to help unravel the mechanisms through which environmental stressors affect human health, including developing models of health and disease, testing chemicals for toxicity, and determining mechanisms of toxicity. Speakers will also explore how research that leverages genome editing tools might inform different types of decisions, including for risk assessment and environmental policy.

The workshop will take place in Washington, DC, and will be streamed live.