[Event Recap] MedGene × SynBio Hackathon-Forum
On 27 August, Dr. Ann LAU, Dr. Chelsea SUN and Dr. John ZHONG from the CUHK Centre for Bioethics were invited to participate in the MedGene × SynBio Hackathon-Forum for secondary school students, organised by the Hong Kong Medical Genetics and Genomics Student Society (HKGeneSoc) and the CUHK School of Biomedical Sciences (SBS) iGEM Team.
As part of the programme, Dr. Lau and Dr. Sun designed and delivered a bespoke interactive workshop, From Treatment to Gene Editing: Ethics, Risk, and Choice in Genetic Medicine. Through scenarios ranging from common illness and cancer treatment to rare genetic disease and reproductive decision-making, students explored the dimensions of genetic medicine through combined activities including case studies, group discussions, and reflective exercises, creating an engaging and thought-provoking environment for ethical deliberation.
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In addition to the workshop, Dr. Lau, Dr. Zhong, Dr. Yuhuan ZHOU, and Dr. Jacky YUEN served as judges and evaluated the team presentations through the lens of bioethics, and considered the ethical implications of synthetic biology and emerging technological advances.
The CUHK Centre for Bioethics remains committed to empowering the next generation to navigate the complex moral challenges arising from scientific innovation and fostering the ethical awareness needed to shape a responsible and inclusive future for science and society.