Holistic Foundations for Assessment and Regulation of Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms

ANNOUNCEMENT

Holistic Foundations for Assessment and Regulation of Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms
- Sub-regional course for South East Asia

Date: 24 January – 29 January 2006

Venue: Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia

Topics include: * Overview of genomes, genes and gene expression * Genome sequencing, bioinformatics and functional genomics * Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from GMOs * Various application areas of genetic engineering * Various risk areas connected to GE applications/GMOs
* Economic, legal, ethical aspects of GE applications/GMOs
* Cultural, social, political issues in GE applications/GMOs * Policy and regulatory issues, including capacity building and biosafety implementation
* Future and emerging GE applications * Alternatives to GE applications and gene ecology
* Laboratory practicals on DNA isolation and PCR

BackgroundThe Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology/genetic engineering. Implementation of biosafety regulation is therefore the focus of many countries. The process of implementing the Protocol has unveiled the lack of basic scientific knowledge necessary to perform risk assessments and a holistic understanding of the policy, legal, regulatory, ethical, economic and social dimensions is also lacking in many cases.

In order for countries to perform credible biological risk assessments, multi-disciplinary scientific competence is of critical importance. Each country needs to be able to conduct general scientific risk assessment and management, and also specifically tailor it to their particular environmental, health and safety conditions and needs. Moreover, there is a need to assess GMOs developed domestically, or imported purposely or accidentally from others, into the context of their special cultural, ethical, socio economic and policy frameworks.

About the courseThe course is designed to provide policy makers, regulators, scientists and NGOs/civil society representatives, specifically from developing countries in South East Asia, with knowledge and training in crucial GE/GMO issues. Through lectures, laboratory demonstrations, group work and discussions, we offer biosafety capacity building within a holistic framework.

Participants will also be required to submit a GE/GMO/biosafety country report.

A 2-week international course has been conducted every year since 2003, in Tromso, Norway. This is the first such regional/sub-regional course. For information: http://www.genok.org/english/view_kurs.asp

Eligibility and selection processApplicants must be from South East Asian countries.

The application form must be filled in. The applicant must provide information about the type/level of position they are holding, and state the basis for their interest in the course. In addition, a brief CV needs to be included.

The working language of the course will be English only, and as such, applicants should be able to work sufficiently well in English.

Preference will be given to applicants from developing countries (Official Development Assistance-countries). For further information about ODA-countries: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/35/9/2488552.pdf

Gender and distribution among the different countries will be used as criteria in the selection of participants.

Applications are due by 12 December 2005.

Costs and expensesFull sponsorship will be given to 40 successful applicants. Priority will be given to applicants from developing countries (ODA-countries). The sponsorship will cover curricular materials, travel, visa fees, accommodation and meals.

Online application form: http://www.genok.org/english/application2.html

Download application form (word format):
www.dpt.faperta.ipb.ac.id
www.biosafety-info.net
http://www.e-newsmailer.com/uploads/76.w3X4wDdfl9sIBzsAZqC938oLP/Biosafety%20course/applicationform-SEA1.doc

Contact detailsCenter for Integrated Pest Management (contact person: Ms. Abjad Asih)Department of Plant ProtectionFaculty of AgricultureBogor Agricultural UniversityJl. Raya KamperDarmaga - BOGOR 16680West Java, INDONESIAPhone: +62 (0)251 420978Fax: +62 (0) 251 420977Email: hpt-ipb@indo.net.id
Website: www.dpt.faperta.ipb.ac.id

Additional contact persons:
Shinta Puspitasari
+62 8129447306 (mobile)
Damayanti Buchori
+62 (0) 251 652627
+62 (0) 251 318225