Inaugural Annual Lecture: Ethics of Polygenic Editing and Selection

The Law, Health and Society research unit at Deakin Law School invites you to join us for this thought-provoking lecture presented by Professor Julian Savulescu on the topic of “Ethics of Polygenic Editing and Selection”.

The lecture will delve into the growing role of polygenic scores—genetic indicators that offer probabilistic insights into complex conditions like diabetes, schizophrenia, intelligence, and even same-sex behavior.

Professor Julian Savulescu will make the case for a bold ethical stance: that we have a moral obligation to use polygenic scores in reproductive decisions to select the child with the best potential for health and well-being—a principle known as procreative beneficence. He will also explore the future of gene editing, arguing for its use not only in disease prevention but in enhancing autonomy and quality of life.

Addressing complex challenges such as pleiotropy, where a single genetic profile can influence multiple traits, the lecture will introduce a novel welfarist framework for the regulation of both genetic selection and editing of polygenic traits.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas at the intersection of genetics, ethics, and public policy.