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Gene Editing Human Gut Microbes: Knowledge, Ethics & Responsibility Through a Multispecies Lens

Objective

Intersecting post-genomics, microbial studies, and health research, GEtGut explores the gene editing of microorganisms inhabiting the human gut, within the broader post-genomic view of bodies. It investigates how the understanding of the human body as a multispecies biological system in constant exchange with its environment (as highlighted by the Human Genome Project) shapes scientists’ conceptions of their research, their experimental frameworks, and their socio-ethical perspectives on the gene editing of gut microbes.

Situated in the field of Science and Technology Studies, GEtGut innovates in the investigation of microbial engineering by building on a multispecies approach that brings humans and microbes into a single analytical frame. Through ethnographic research in two laboratories—including interviews with scientists and documentary analysis of research ethics protocols and scientific literature—, GEtGut examines (1) the ontological and epistemological status of the gut microbes in gene editing research protocols and laboratory practices, (2) the framing of ethical questions in the field, and (3) the understanding of responsibility in the context of ecological models of bodies and health.

While gene editing technologies fuel the ambition to redesign evolution across species, from microbes to humans, current regulations on genetic engineering are falling behind. GEtGut will generate complex, interdisciplinary knowledge that brings together biomedical sciences, social sciences, and environmental humanities, fostering theoretical, policy, and democratic debate on the responsible governance of gut microbiome gene editing. With GEtGut I will develop new methodological skills necessary to conduct a laboratory ethnography, and strengthen my interdisciplinary competence in bridging social and life sciences by expanding my analytical expertise in biotechnology innovations applied to human and non-human organisms.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA CA' FOSCARI VENEZIA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 209 483,28
Address
DORSODURO 3246
30123 VENEZIA
Italy

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Region
Nord-Est Veneto Venezia
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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