The genome editing technology CRISPR/Cas and its ease of use and robustness made it one of the breakthrough technology for genetic engineering. Moreover it is not just a genetic-editing tool, but it opens up plenty of application also in the field of agriculture. Improving crop yield, increasing the resistance for pathogens and adjusting to heat an droughts are just a few of them.

But what does genome editing actually means?

Using a technology like CRISPR/Cas the DNA will be changed permanently. In general these changes are limited to a few nucleotides and can also happen by random mutation in nature. Still, the new developed editing tools raise discussion about their safety and ethical concerns.

On the first day of this course you will get to know the working mechanism of CRISPR/Cas and its applications in plants. Even though the technology is a big breakthrough, its use in Europe is still very restricted. During the second day you will get to know all about the EU regulation of genome editing technology and the consequences for the European market. This day will be a very active day, with plenty of time to discuss about concerns and pro and cons of the usage of genome editing tools.

Date: 13 and 14 September 2021 ( You can join both days or just one of them)

Maximum participants: Day1: 50 people and Day 2:  60 people

Fee: 25 €/day including lunch and drinks afterwards  (with approved TPS/registered with EPS) for PhD students and postdocs*
50 €/day including lunch and drinks afterwards for staff
100€/day including lunch and drinks afterwards for industry

* PhD students/postdocs from other Graduate Schools please contact Juliane (Juliane.Teapal@wur.nl)

Updated location*: WICC Wageningen, Wageningen International Congress Centre B.V

*if Corona measurements will allow/otherwise we will switch to an online event

Registration: Please register via this link. Be aware you have to register for both days separately.

Registration opens 13-07-2021 @ 10:00 am.

Credits: 0.6 for both days

Programme: 

Day 1:

The first day will provide fundamental aspects of the CRISPR/Cas editing technology and an overview of the different technology that have been developed during past years. John van de Oost, one of the pioneers of the “CRISPR revolution” will give an introduction lecture about the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas and its development to the gene-editing technology. The following lectures will focus on CRISPR/Cas in plants, elaborate about the variety of applications also including specifications like tissue specific gene editing. During the (computer) practical’s  you will learn how to generate your own CRISPR/Cas construct and all Do’s and Don’ts for successful experiments.

Lectures from :

  • John van der Oost, Chair at Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research
  • Ruud de Maagd, Senior scientist at Bioscience, Wageningen Plant Research (Wageningen University & Research
  • Katja Cankar, DLO Researcher, Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research
  • Paul Bundock, Researcher, KeyGene, The Netherlands
  • Renze Heidstra, Associated Professor, Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research

Practical’s from:

  • Ellen Slaman, PhD student at Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research
  • William de Martines, PhD Student at Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research

Day 2

The second day will be all about the regulation of genome editing in plants. This day is a very interactive day with plenty of time for discussions.

It will start with an (historical) overview of gene-editing regulations within Europe and worldwide. Three companies will elaborate about what it means for them to work with CRISPR/Cas under the strict EU regulations. After lunch an Artist in science and communication will  explain why gene editing technologies are still not accepted in a part of the general public and why people are afraid of buying GMO products in the supermarket. You will met the young researcher initiative GeneSprout and they will tell you all about their work. Last but not least, we will have round table discussion with various experts supporting gene-editing technologies but also with experts that are concerned about their use.

Lectures:

Artist:

Both days will end with drinks and snacks to have further time to discuss and socialize.


Monday, September 13, 2021 through September 14
Programme details will follow later
WICC hotel & congress centre
Lawickse Allee 9, Wageningen