Genetic approaches to reducing vector competence of Aedes aegypti for chikungunya virus
Lead Research Organisation:
The Pirbright Institute
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
Dengue, chikungunya and other arboviral diseases impose significant morbidity and mortality. In few cases are licensed drugs or vaccines available. However, the dependence of these viruses on specific mosquito species, combined with advances in mosquito synthetic biology, potentially provides new approaches. We will engineer reduced-vector-competence traits in the major vector mosquito Aedes aegypti, focusing on chikungunya virus, though successful development would be
significant for a much wider range of viruses. We will pursue three approaches in parallel (i) to mitigate the risk that one of these ambitious approaches may not fully achieve its design goals; (ii) to provide multiple independent means to interfere with virus transmission, which in combination would greatly reduce the possibility of virus escape mutants. Two of these approaches aim to make mosquito cells more resistant to incoming viruses, (exploiting RNAi and super-infection exclusion mechanisms, respectively), the other aims to kill cells on infection so that they are unable to support virus transmission, using synthetic substrates for virus replicase that will be replicated and expressed following infection. Each of these approaches is inspired by natural anti-virus defence mechanisms and uses components and designs based on our strong collective track record in molecular virology and mosquito synthetic biology.
significant for a much wider range of viruses. We will pursue three approaches in parallel (i) to mitigate the risk that one of these ambitious approaches may not fully achieve its design goals; (ii) to provide multiple independent means to interfere with virus transmission, which in combination would greatly reduce the possibility of virus escape mutants. Two of these approaches aim to make mosquito cells more resistant to incoming viruses, (exploiting RNAi and super-infection exclusion mechanisms, respectively), the other aims to kill cells on infection so that they are unable to support virus transmission, using synthetic substrates for virus replicase that will be replicated and expressed following infection. Each of these approaches is inspired by natural anti-virus defence mechanisms and uses components and designs based on our strong collective track record in molecular virology and mosquito synthetic biology.
Publications
Wise EL
(2020)
Oropouche virus cases identified in Ecuador using an optimised qRT-PCR informed by metagenomic sequencing.
in PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Utt A
(2019)
Design and Use of Chikungunya Virus Replication Templates Utilizing Mammalian and Mosquito RNA Polymerase I-Mediated Transcription.
in Journal of virology
Lello LS
(2023)
Activity, Template Preference, and Compatibility of Components of RNA Replicase of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus.
in Journal of virology
Lello L
(2021)
nsP4 Is a Major Determinant of Alphavirus Replicase Activity and Template Selectivity
in Journal of Virology
Law YS
(2021)
Interdomain Flexibility of Chikungunya Virus nsP2 Helicase-Protease Differentially Influences Viral RNA Replication and Infectivity.
in Journal of virology
Harvey-Samuel T
(2022)
Silencing RNAs expressed from W-linked PxyMasc "retrocopies" target that gene during female sex determination in Plutella xylostella
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Götte B
(2020)
Sensitivity of Alphaviruses to G3BP Deletion Correlates with Efficiency of Replicase Polyprotein Processing.
in Journal of virology
Elrefaey AME
(2021)
Innate Immune Antagonism of Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses in Humans and Mosquitoes.
in Viruses
Description | WHO estimates that 17% of all human infectious disease is transmitted by vectors, predominantly mosquitoes. We identified a means by which infection of a cell by one virus inhibits infection by another - "super-infection exclusion" (SIE) . We identified a mechanism for this that allowed us to mimic this effect in an uninfected cell, to make it resistant to infection. We then developed transgenic mosquitoes with such a system, and showed that they were significantly less able to transmit relevant viruses. We additionally developed various tools and resources that would help us spread such a gene through a wild mosquito population, though such field studies remain some way off. |
Exploitation Route | We aim - and have secured further funding from the Wellcome Trust for this - to develop improved strains of mosquitoes that use this principle to achieve strong resistance against a range of human-pathogenic viruses. Separately, we and others are developing methods, so-called "gene drives" for spreading such virus-resistance genes into wild mosquito populations, to reduce their ability to transmit human diseases, and thereby reduce associated morbidity and mortality. |
Sectors | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | EFSA GMO Gene Drive WG Hearing Expert |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Hearing Expert for EFSA GMO Gene Drive Working Group. Investigated environmental risk assessment of gene drive organisms relative to "conventional" GMOs. Led to report on subject https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/efsa-advises-risk-assessment-engineered-gene-drives |
URL | https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/efsa-advises-risk-assessment-engineered-gene-drives |
Description | IUCN Assessment of Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://www.iucn.org/theme/science-and-economics/our-work/other-work/synthetic-biology-and-biodivers... |
Description | IUCN Technical Subgroup on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) Project "Gene drives, inventory of previous research and experience" |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | RCUK Engagement workshop, Cosener's House, 20-21 April 2017 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Description | SACGM(CU) member 2014-present |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | The Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Engineering (Contained Use), SACGM(CU), provides technical and scientific advice to HSE and Ministers for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as their counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has been in existence since 2004; I have been a member since 2014 |
URL | https://webcommunities.hse.gov.uk/connect.ti/SACGM/grouphome |
Description | DARPA PREEMPT |
Amount | $2,700,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United States |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | Engineering mosquitoes for reduced vector competence for chikungunya virus |
Organisation | University of Malaya |
Department | Department of Medical Microbiology |
Country | Malaysia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Developed joint research programme, led successful application for funding, coordinate programme. |
Collaborator Contribution | Various specific strands of research, and group discussions about results, conclusions, research progress and future activities. |
Impact | reported under funding |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Engineering mosquitoes for reduced vector competence for chikungunya virus |
Organisation | University of Melbourne |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Developed joint research programme, led successful application for funding, coordinate programme. |
Collaborator Contribution | Various specific strands of research, and group discussions about results, conclusions, research progress and future activities. |
Impact | reported under funding |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Engineering mosquitoes for reduced vector competence for chikungunya virus |
Organisation | University of Tartu |
Department | Institute of Technology |
Country | Estonia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Developed joint research programme, led successful application for funding, coordinate programme. |
Collaborator Contribution | Various specific strands of research, and group discussions about results, conclusions, research progress and future activities. |
Impact | reported under funding |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research |
Organisation | Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Input to policy discussions |
Collaborator Contribution | Network is engaged in briefing national and international entities, e.g. EU/EC, European Parliament, IUCN, Convention on Biological Diversity, on issues related to gene drive. Outreach also relates to general public (directly and via media) as well as policymakers, regulators and practitioners. The Pirbright Institute is now a member of the Network |
Impact | Briefing and media comment regarding gene drives and gene drive research to multiple agencies e.g. EU/EC, European Parliament, IUCN, Convention on Biological Diversity, on issues related to gene drive. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | APMEN (Singapore) webinar 22/08/2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited panellist at event organised by the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network and Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research to discuss genetic control methods for mosquito-borne disease. 3x10min presentations sparked 60 mins of questions and answers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://apmen.org/events/invitation-apmenxchange-webinar-genetic-approach-vector-control-how-can-gen... |
Description | Amy Lewis, The Scientist, 15/08/2017 re gene drive and Predator Free NZ 2050 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Provided information and quotes for article on potential use of gene drives as part of New Zealand effort to eradicate invasive predators |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/50180/title/Driving-Down-Pests/ |
Description | Ash Manor GCSE Mentoring 2018 - BA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | BBC Today programme 24/01/2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview on BBC Today programme regarding potential development and use of gene drives in mice |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00025bt |
Description | BIotech YES 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Gave a talk at the BBSRC Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs' Scheme event at Syngenta (Jealott's Hill) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Big Bang Fair South East - RC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Regional science festival/event - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Biotech YES, Syngenta Jealott's Hill, 05 Oct 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Teams of postgraduate students from a number of universities and institutes attended talk as part of Biotech YES (Young Entrepreneurs' Scheme). Follow-up discussion influenced several aspects of their approach to entrepreneurship both within the competition and more generally |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016,2017 |
Description | Briefing - EU/Estonia parliamentarians and policy advisers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Briefed Estonian delegation to Brussels/EU parliament on gene drives and related issues |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | CBD Open-ended online forum on synbio 06-10/2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | UN Convention on Biodiversity. Policy- discussion on synthetic biology: nominated participant in the Open Ended Online Forum on Synthetic biology as established in decision XII/24 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) and extended in COP decision XIII/17 which ran from June to Oct 2017 (approx.) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://bch.cbd.int/synbio/open-ended/discussion/ |
Description | CBD online forum for synthetic biology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Participated in 2023 online forum on Synthetic Biology for the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity. This part of an ongoing international policy and regulatory debate about the potential positive and negative interactions between synthetic biology and conservation/biodiversity |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://cbd.int/kb/record/meeting/6307?Subject=SYNBIO |
Description | CBS briefing 26/05/2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Briefed CBS journalist in relation to story about release of transgenic mosquitoes in Florida |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | CNN interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview with CNN journalist. Journalist later followed up asking me to check and clarify some issues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Camberley Library Fun Palace 2018 - JM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Caroline Seydel Genetic Literacy Project re GM mosquitoes/gene drive/Zika |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Provided background material and quotes for article on GM mosquitoes and control of Zika virus. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/01/29/waging-war-mosquito-split-gene-drive-hinder-spread-zik... |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - JA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Major science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - JM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Major science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - JP |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Major national science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - RC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Major science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival 2018 - SV |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Display at major science festival: changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival 2018-DP |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Major national science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | DARPA visit April 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | Hosted visit by US funding agency programme manager to The Pirbright Institute |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Discuss gene drives with NZ Parliamentary Commissioner |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Met NZ Parliamentary Commissioner to provide background information on, and discuss, gene drive systems. New Zealand is considering genetic and other control methods for invasive pests. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | EFSA Hearing Expert Gene Drive Environmental Risk Assessment Working Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Hearing Expert for EFSA Gene Drive Environmental Risk Assessment Working Group. Contributed to EFSA Scientific Opinion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6297 |
Description | EFSA consultation July 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Responded to European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) request for input regarding regulation of gene drives (public consultation) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/sp.efsa.2020.EN-1939 |
Description | EPO Inventors Revisited video |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Podcast for European Patent Office "Inventors Revisited" series |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.epo.org/news-events/events/european-inventor/inventors-revisited.html |
Description | EU parliament webinar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Invited speaker for European Parliament Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development webinar "Research and Innovation for biodiversity: what role for gene drive research?" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://ebcd.org/event/online-event-research-and-innovation-for-biodiversity-what-role-for-gene-driv... |
Description | Edinburgh Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk and panel event at Edinburgh Science Festival "The Buzz about GM Insects". Sparked questions and discussions afterwards including some career questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Edinburgh seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Gave invited seminar at Edinburgh University (via Zoom) regarding development and applications of transgenic mosquitoes. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Ewen Callaway Nature 08/01/2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Provided expert background information for article in Nature regarding engineering species barriers, described by journalist as "very helpful" in followup email. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Gene Drive Resarch Sponsors and Supporter's Forum meeting Montreal Sept 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | Forum met to discuss the state of the art and future considerations for gene drive research. Ongoing deliberations including specific follow-up meetings. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | IUCN Technical Subgroup on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation (meeting 12-15 April and report) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Participated as member in Technical Subgroup on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Meetings, online discussion and ultimately a report to Task Force and will ultimately go to IUCN General Assembly. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
Description | Innovate Guildford 17 March 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk and exhibit at Innovate Guildford - >100 for talk, probably >500 for exhibit. Both sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Innovate Guildford 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave open talk at Innovate Guildford; 50-60 audience with wide age range, many questions and lively debate |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Innovate Guildford 2018 - JM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Regional science/innovation event - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Innovate Guildford 2018 - SB |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Regional science festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Innovate Guildford 2018 - SV |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Display at regional science/innovation festival - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Interview with book author |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview with FT journalist for book |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Invited seminar at UC Riverside 05/05/2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited seminar at University of California, Riverside |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited seminar at the University of Nottingham seminar series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | An invited seminar entitled: "Arbovirus encephalitis: from tissue culture, to mosquitoes to mice" was delivered. Discussions for potential collaborations followed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited speaker at a workshop on arboviruses and their vectors in University of Malaya - Malaysia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A talk entitled: " The role of small RNAs in arbovirus infections" was delivered. Multiple questions and requests for collaborations followed the presentation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Malaysia workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Organised and participated in workshop on genetic control of mosquitoes, primarily focusing on refractory methods. Included a set of open lectures from international speakers at University of Malaysia and more focus workshop-style meetings. Several reported changes to research activities and also opinions, also follow-up meeting organized in Glasgow later in 2017 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | New Scientist interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview with New Scientist regarding genetic control of mosquitoes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.newscientist.com/article/2210190-parasite-brings-down-mosquito-numbers-in-parts-of-guang... |
Description | Nick Rufford, Sunday Time Mag, published 27/08/2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Provided information and quotes for Sunday TImes Magazine article on GM mosquitoes and Zika |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-genetically-engineered-mosquitoes-will-save-lives-kwc8nmwh5 |
Description | Oxford Philosophy, Ethics, Theology & The New Science of Gene Drives |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Panel discussion on ethics etc of gene drives, broadcast live on internet to international audiences |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://lsri.campion.ox.ac.uk/events/preliminary-panel-discussion-christ-church-university-oxford-17... |
Description | Pint of Science (Oxford) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented in "Pint of Science" series - evening interactive talks with general public in accessible locations such as pubs |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Princess Anne opening Jenner |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Princess Anne, entourage, local politicians and dignitaries visited to open new research building. I was one of small number asked to present/demonstrate/describe our research work, which is on genetic modification of mosquitoes to provide new tools with which to help control mosquito-borne viral diseases. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | RSB Animal Science Group Sept 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Participated in RSB Animal Science special-interest group discussion on development of gene drives. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | RSB Genetic Tech Governance Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Workshop hosted by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) on the use of genetic technologies and the governance and regulation of organisms developed by genetic modification, genome editing and other breeding methods |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Respond to SMC enquiry re gene drives in mice |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Responded to Science Media Centre request for expert comment on a scientific paper regarding gene drives in mice. Quoted in The Independent |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/gene-editing-dna-technology-mice-pests-drives-invasive-sp... |
Description | Respond to SMC request re Vosshall paper 08 Feb 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Respond to SMC request re scientific paper describing behaviour-altering drugs in mosquitoes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Respond to request for comment - MIT News |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview regarding local "daisy" gene drives in mosquitoes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://news.mit.edu/2019/daisy-chain-gene-drives-keeping-genetic-engineering-localized-0402 |
Description | Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Family Day - LA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Six Pirbright staff/students ran an all-day exhibit on gene editing and mosquitoes at the Royal Institution About 270 participants visited our stand; wide range of comments, questions, discussion and feedback |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Family Day - SB |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | About 270 participants visited our stand; wide range of comments, questions, discussion and feedback |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Exhibited at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2022. Hundreds of visitors, from young school children to Fellows of the Royal Society. Many reported changed views, new or increased interest in the research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/disease-detectives-0 |
Description | Royal Society of Biology Biology week talk, Winchester, 10/10/2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk organized by Royal Society of Biology as part of Biology Week. This one in Winchester, audience was general public with strong representation of school-age. Questions and discussion during and after formal talk. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | STEM Day - Speed interviews and Careers Day 2018 - BA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | TATA June 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited panelist for international online panel re mosquito borne diseases, which sparked numerous questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HHvwz1gW68 |
Description | Talk to clinicians at Hospital for Tropical Diseases |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk to clinicians at Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, regardingcurrent and future methods for controlling mosquito-borne disease based on mosquito genetics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Tillingbourne Bug Hunt |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Local entomology event for general public - changes in public attitudes and stimulating increased interest in insects/entomology and research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Tillingbourne Year 3 Science Day 2018 - EL |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Stimulating increased interest in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | UK Microbiological Society Fleming Showcase |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Described mosquito-based approaches to microbiologists and others |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://microbiologysociety.org/news/society-news/fleming-showcase-speaker-profile-professor-luke-al... |
Description | UKRI Festival of Tomorrow |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk and stand on viruses and engineering mosquitoes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.ukri.org/news/showcasing-incredible-discoveries-at-swindon-festival-of-tomorrow/ |
Description | VC discussions |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Briefed venture capital groups on landscape around genetic vector management and related products |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | WHO Zika R&D Blueprint meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | WHO-sponsored meeting to discuss response to Zika virus, particularly WHO's "R&D Blueprint" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Wellcome Zika research priorities meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | Wellcome-convened meeting to discuss Zika response and research priorities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Wired interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Media interview regarding use of gene drive systems in mosquitoes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.wired.co.uk/article/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-gene-drive |
Description | YorkTalk 2024 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public talk as part of "YorkTalks" series of talks for general audiences. Audience estimate is for in-person numbers; also available on video. Sparked questions and discussion afterwards, both in-session (panel discussion and Q&A) and afterwards. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.york.ac.uk/research/events/yorktalks/ |
Description | email interview with journalist (Sukanya Charuchandra, The Wire) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Email interview for journalist for "The Wire" - an online technology-focused media outlet. Helped provide context and impact for the resulting piece. https://thewire.in/the-sciences/scientists-identify-protein-that-mosquitoes-need-to-lay-viable-eggs |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://thewire.in/the-sciences/scientists-identify-protein-that-mosquitoes-need-to-lay-viable-eggs |
Description | international workshop on "Self-Propagation of Artificial Genetic Elements: Gene Drives, Risks & Tipping Points Bremen 19-20 June 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Workshop considering regulatory, social and technical environment for gene drive systems in insects, primarily for German and other EU regulatory and political entities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |