Saturday, 3 May 2025Good morning, everyone. The theme of this month is integrity. It is crucial that scientific development aligns with the best interests of humanity while upholding principles such as human rights and dignity, and all these relies on scientist’s own scientific integrity.
In 2018, a controversial event occurred that challenged the boundaries of scientific integrity. Chinese scientist Professor He Jiankui claimed that he had carried out experiments on human embryos using a gene editing tool, called CRISPR-Cas9, with the intention of providing protection against HIV. He believed that this groundbreaking work was essential for families affected by HIV.
Although this technology has great potential, it is important to use it with caution. Experts in the field expressed concerns about the nature of gene editing, such as the potential for off-target mutations, and the long-term consequences, including genetic disorders or cancer.
This incident highlighted the complexity of balancing scientific development with the responsibility to ensure the safety of future generations and adhere the ethical constraint as a scientist. It served as a reminder of the critical need for scientific integrity and ethical considerations in guiding the progress of revolutionary technologies.
Mr. Lee KW
5 January 2024