Hervé Chneiweiss
As the newly elected president of ARRIGE, I would first like to express my deep gratitude to Lluis Montoliu for his outstanding leadership and commitment to promoting the values of ARRIGE, and the out-going members of ARRIGE board Jennifer Merchant, François Hirsch, Julian Kinderlerer and Bonginkosi Shozi for their dedication.
Several initiatives, including the regular Albrecht Müller Days, annual meetings, the biannual newsletter, and the important work of the ARRIGE Scientific Committee, first chaired by Gaétan Burgio and more recently by Martina Crispo, have been instrumental in building the foundation of our organization and raising awareness about the importance of responsible genome editing.
It is my priority with our renewed board to ensure continuity in these successful actions, maintaining their quality and expanding their reach as we move forward.
Building on this foundation, our future efforts will focus on three key priorities:
1. Continuity and Growth of ARRIGE’s Established Initiatives
We will maintain and grow ARRIGE’s hallmark initiatives, such as the Albrecht Müller Days, annual meetings, biannual newsletters, further strengthened by Communiqués and Statements from the Board and Opinions from our Scientific Advisory Board. These platforms are invaluable for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and advancing the global conversation on responsible genome editing. We will also explore innovative ways to expand their impact, ensuring they remain dynamic and relevant in a rapidly evolving field.
2. Strengthening Public Engagement and Education
ARRIGE will amplify its efforts to engage with the public, fostering an inclusive dialogue on genome editing technologies and their ethical, societal, and global implications. We will expand our outreach programs, host more interactive forums, and collaborate with educators and media to ensure accessible, transparent communication about genome editing. By enhancing public understanding, we aim to build trust and empower diverse communities to participate in shaping the future of this transformative field.
3. Preparing the Next Generation
A core focus will be to inspire and involve the next generation of researchers in responsible genome editing. ARRIGE will actively mobilize PhD students and early-career scientists, providing them with platforms to explore ethical considerations, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and connect with experts in the field. By fostering their awareness and commitment to the ethical dimensions of genome editing, we aim to “pass the baton” to future leaders who will continue to uphold ARRIGE’s mission.
By combining these priorities, ARRIGE will continue to serve as a global beacon for responsible research and innovation in genome editing. Together, we can shape a future where science, ethics, and societal well-being go hand in hand as this powerful area of science and its supporting technologies advances.