Centers
Biotechnology Impacts Center
Stewards of Technological Advancements in Agriculture, Medicine and Industry
As a consequence of the genomics revolution, the creation of new scientific knowledge is occurring at a remarkably fast rate. For wise stewardship of the technologies resulting from this revolution, it is imperative for society to assess the possible outcomes, both positive and negative, of these scientific advances. As decisions are made about the applications of biotechnologies to agriculture, medicine and the environment, policy makers and members of the public need to be armed with sound, science-based information.
Biotechnology holds great promise. For example, the products of genetically engineered bacteria have already been in use for years for medicinal applications (bacteria-produced human insulin) to food production (bacteria-produced rennet to make cheese). Hundreds of millions of acres of genetically engineered crops are planted every year. New therapies to reduce or reverse the suffering of human disease are under study. The University of California is at the leading edge of this revolution with 1 out 4 California biotech companies being founded by UC scientists. As such, we must also be stewards of this new technology. We must accept the responsibility of ensuring that the products of biotechnology are used wisely, with the least amount of negative impact on our environment, health and society.
The Biotechnology Impact Center studies the impacts of technological advancement,
striving to protect the environment, health and society