Special Sessions
CRISPR Medicine Conference 2025 Preliminary Programme
Download the preliminary conference programme below.
Explore the preliminary programme sessions here.
The final programme will be announced on February 28th 2025.
Special Lunchtime Session: The First Genome-Editing Trial (CCR5)
In this special session, some of the major contributors to the field of genome editing over the last four decades will discuss the first ever genome-editing trial which investigated a zinc finger nuclease for the prevention of HIV.
Confirmed Participants:
Dana Carroll, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Utah School of Medicine, United States
Srinivasan Chandrasegaran, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, United States
Matthew Porteus, Prof., MD, Ph.D., Stanford Medicine, United States
David Briner, Business Development in the United States at The McDonnell Genome Institute, a program of Washington University St. Louis, United States
More details to follow
Special Lunchtime Session: Democratising Genetic Technologies
Co-organised by Dr. Vincenzo Di Donato (ZeClinics and TReND in Africa) and Dr. Thomas Auer (University of Fribourg, Switzerland and TReND in Africa).
In the era of precision medicine, CRISPR technology has emerged as a revolutionary tool for genetic research and therapeutic development. However, the benefits of these advancements remain unevenly distributed, with underrepresented genomes—particularly from African populations—often excluded from large-scale genomic studies and therapeutic applications. This disparity not only limits scientific discovery but also hampers the development of equitable healthcare solutions.
This Lunch Break Special will spotlight the urgent need to democratise access to CRISPR technologies in regions historically underrepresented in genomic research. By fostering local capacity building, promoting open access data-sharing frameworks, and addressing structural barriers, we aim to pave the way for inclusive innovation.
Join us as we bring together experts to discuss actionable strategies for empowering research communities in Africa and beyond. Together, we will explore how equitable representation in genome studies can drive global advancements in personalised medicine, ensuring that no population is left behind in the CRISPR revolution.
More details to follow
