Aaron is a Research Associate at the Institute on Ethics & Policy for Innovation (IEPI). He recently completed his PhD with a focus on applied ethics and global health policy in the Department of Philosophy, McMaster University. Aaron’s PhD dissertation focused on ethical issues arising from novel engineered gene drive technologies, developed for use in mosquitoes as vector control applications for malaria elimination.
His ongoing work at IEPI includes furthering the work of his dissertation, but also expands in scope. Aaron leads a program of research and provides critical analysis and high-quality synthesis on a wide range of topics relating to ethical issues concerning cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, particularly as they pertain to research in global health and development.
Aaron has a broad range of experience, including a year living and teaching in South Korea, as well as conducting investigations for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He has also received numerous awards for community involvement and academic excellence. Most recently, winning a SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award and a competitive Brocher Foundation Research Residency in Geneva, Switzerland. Aaron’s recent service roles have included serving on McMaster’s Senate and Research Ethics Board and on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Bioethics Society.
Aaron also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Master of Arts, each in Philosophy, from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Aaron`s Work
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WHO Guidance framework for testing of genetically modified mosquitoes (2nd Edition)
IEPI researchers contributed to the updated international guidelines for testing genetically modified mosquitoes, that will inform research and development.
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From principles to principled action for gene drive research
Session 4 of the Unsettled Ethical Issues in Gene Drive Research Panel Discussion Series co-hosted by IEPI & FNIH’s GeneConvene Global Collaborative
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Ethics of gene drive technology in mosquitoes
IEPI is one of only a few institutions in the world working on the ethics of gene drive research. We examine the ethical, social, and cultural ramifications of the potential genetic modification of mosquitoes for malaria eradication.
Aaron`s Publications
WEBSITE
Articulating ethical principles guiding Target Malaria’s engagement strategy
Roberts, A.J., Thizy, D. Articulating ethical principles guiding Target Malaria's engagement strategy. Malar J 21, 35 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04062-4
WEBSITE
Proceedings of an expert workshop on community agreement for gene drive research in Africa
Thizy D, Pare Toe L, Mbogo C et al. Proceedings of an expert workshop on community agreement for gene drive research in Africa - Co-organised by KEMRI, PAMCA and Target Malaria [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. Gates Open Res 2021, 5:19 (https://doi.org/10.12688/gatesopenres.13221.2)