Project description
Exploring the ethics of gene editing in gut microbes
Gene editing technologies can transform the evolution of a diverse range of species, from microbes to humans. However, current regulations governing genetic engineering are falling behind. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GEtGut project will study gene editing in human gut microorganisms from a post-genomic perspective. It aims to understand how viewing the body as a multispecies system affects scientific approaches and ethical considerations. Through ethnographic research in two labs, the project will explore the roles of gut microbes in gene editing and the implications for health and responsibility. The findings will contribute to interdisciplinary knowledge and discussions on the governance of gene editing in the gut microbiome.
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)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences sociology governance
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering gene therapy
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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.
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
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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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38122 Trento
Italy
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