Overview

Novel technologies and innovations often come with ethical risks, as well as complex social, and cultural dimensions. The science and technology of a new technology may be strong, but if regulatory infrastructures are weak or there is mistrust among communities intended to benefit, a potentially life-saving innovation may never reach those who need them most. In this pillar we work to identify, understand, and address these issues before they delay or derail crucial health interventions and programs.

An example is our work on emerging gene drive technology for malaria elimination. We examine ethical implications and questions such as: Should we develop the technology to remove one species of mosquito if that will eradicate malaria? With our global partners, we undertake careful, nuanced research that examines age-old moral questions alongside the novel landscape of emerging technologies.