Title
Case Study: Asilomar Conference on Laboratory Precautions When Conducting Recombinant DNA Research
Journal Title
International Dimensions of Ethics Education Case Study Series
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
This case is an in-depth summary on an extensively controversial conference held at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove California, in 1973, where approximately 100 leading scientists in the field convened to formulate safety measures to direct the development of recombinant DNA technology in the United States. It resulted in subsequent discussions, including the conception of a proposed regulated guidelines and risk categories for rDNA experiments. These procedures were adopted and widely used by the US Government today. Appendices include: A.) Chronology; B.) Views on the Asilomar Process; C.) Members of Groups Central to the Scientists’ Debates about rDNA Research 1973-76; D.) Biographical Notes on Scientists involved in the Asilomar Process; E.) Ethical Evaluation of Recombinant DNA Research; F.) Contemporaneous Perspectives on Recombinant DNA Research; G.) Teaching Notes; and H.) Useful Websites.
Appendix A: Chronology
Asilomar_BViews.pdf (20 kB)
Appendix B: Views on the Asilomar Process
Asilomar_CGroups.pdf (18 kB)
Appendix C: Members of Groups Central to the Scientists’ Debates about rDNA Research 1973-76
Asilomar_DBios.pdf (29 kB)
Appendix D: Biographical Notes on Scientists involved in the Asilomar Process
Asilomar_EEthicalEval.pdf (47 kB)
Appendix E: Ethical Evaluation of Recombinant DNA Research
Asilomar_FPerspectives.pdf (18 kB)
adobeAppendix F: Contemporaneous Perspectives on Recombinant DNA Research
Asilomar_GTeaching.pdf (32 kB)
Appendix G: Teaching Notes
Asilomar_HWebsites.pdf (14 kB)
Appendix H: Useful Websites
Asilomar_TOC.pdf (12 kB)
Table of Contents