Bioengineers and other researchers will examine the revolutionary CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) genome-editing technology, and discuss its applications to a variety of fields at the inaugural International Conference on CRISPR Technologies (www.aiche.org/CRISPR), December 4-6, 2017, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The conference is organized by the Society for Biological Engineering (SBE) of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
CRISPR technologies are based on a gene’s naturally recurring DNA sequences that defend cells against viruses. Biological and genetic engineers have determined that those unique DNA strands can be exploited to convey instructions that can be used for engineering cells to perform desired functions. The CRISPR field of research has rapidly advanced since the first demonstration of Cas9-mediated genome editing, resulting in the discovery of new nucleases; the development of diverse and novel CRISPR applications for genome editing, gene regulation, and in vitro applications; and the use of CRISPR technologies in unicellular organisms, plants, and animals.
The International Conference on CRISPR Technologies will explore the many applications of these technologies — including the use of CRISPR in industrial biotechnology, agriculture, and human health. Sessions will also address the ethical and regulatory implications of CRISPR technology. The conference is chaired by Chase Beisel, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at North Carolina State University; and Benjamin Gray, Technology and Portfolio Management Lead at Benson Hill Biosystems (Durham, North Carolina).
Complete program and registration information for the CRISPR Conference is available at www.aiche.org/CRISPR.
About SBE
Established in 2004, the Society for Biological Engineering is a technological community for engineers and applied scientists integrating biology with engineering. Members of SBE come from a broad spectrum of industries and disciplines and share in SBE’s mission of realizing the benefits of bioprocessing, biomedical, and biomolecular applications. http://bio.aiche.org.
About AIChE
AIChE is a professional society of more than 53,000 chemical engineers in 110 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities, and government using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society. Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for information exchange on the frontiers of chemical engineering research in such areas as energy, sustainability, biological and environmental engineering, nanotechnology, and chemical plant safety and security. More information about AIChE is available at http://www.aiche.org.