Discussing CRISPR with students

On November 8, Tom Schreiber explained to a young audience in Halle that CRISPR is not a crunchy cereal, but rather a new technology that can be used to target and specifically modify any location in the genome. The postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology gave his lecture at the invitation of the Catholic student community, whose members had requested a discussion on CRISPR-Cas and green genetic engineering. The discussion was indeed lively. The participants showed great interest in how the gene-editing method works and its potential applications in gene therapy, breeding and basic research. The members of the university Christian congregation are made up of trainees and students from all disciplines. Activities like these can substantially promote and anchor understanding and acceptance of these new technologies and in the society.