At the beginning of our iGEM adventure we were invited by the Rathenau Institute, an institute which promotes safe and ethical research, to visit their introduction to the iGEMmers "Guide To The Future" (link)?. We also participated speed dates with Human Practices experts from the Rathenau and RIVM (government institute for health and environment). Before this event, we decided on making a DNA detection system. We were still unsure on the different aspects of implementation. After evaluating several options, receiving critical feedback and advice from experts in their respective fields we decided to focus on one specific project; a bacteriophages detection system for the dairy industry. We made use of the iGEMmers guide during the beginning of our project to explore our human practices opportunities with a skype call with Zoë Robaey. She guided us on where to start, who to contact, and how to design our 'Outbreak !' game.
To gain insights of the impact of using GMOs in the food industry we contacted Dr. J. Hille, a lecturer of Biotechnology course unit at the University of Groningen. Here we discussed the general differences between European and American legislation concerning GMO use and the public perception of GMOs in general. Dr. J. Hille was kind enough to give us useful directions and connections, such as Jeantine Lunshof and pointed us towards issues we should take into account before further advancing with our project.
Cathalijne van Beekvelt works for the ILT. This is the Dutch Inspection of Living environment and Transport. We sought information about the regulations that could limit our products use. She gave us the contact information of Rob Duba, who might be of further assistance regarding the regulative challenges.
Multiple times, we had contact with Jaco Westra from the RIVM. RIVM provided us with funding and in turn, we tried to work on an assignment to continuously improve upon security aspects of our project. The title of the assignment was ‘Thinking before doing’. We eventually presented all of the safety aspects, we believe to be of relevance, in a card game which is both fun and educative. You can read more about 'Outbreak!' *here link*. Jaco was our contact person during this safety assignment. He gave great tips on how to handle legislation and on further points of contact, such as Wouter Ghering and ILT.
Jeantine Lunshof works as a bioethicist at the Church laboratory in Boston. We contacted her in the beginning of our project to educate ourselves on ethical dimensions in the field of synthetic biology. After introducing general idea of our project, she told us something about her work at the Church lab. Together we thought about a story which would be interesting as well as not repulsive for the public.
Jeantine also mentioned that the end user of dairy products is in our case a very low stakeholder. This definitely does not mean we should set them aside. It is crucial to inform them and assess how we best should sell our vision.
Why is our project important for the consumer?
Does it ensure better/safer dairy products or will the dairy products be of a higher quality?
She also highlighted the importance to clarify that our diagnostic tool will not have contact with the food!
Even a small notion of GMO contamination in a food factory will significantly upset the public.
That could result in having the entire project tainted in negativity. Such a negative press coverage and connotation would significantly reduce acceptance in the public as well as resulting in a reduced interest from industry due to PR issues. Ultimately, chances of getting the product on the market would be close to zero. Tip: one team, one voice!
Before the meeting with Prof. Martin Goedhart and Dr. Maaike de Heij we tried to unsuccessfully contact multiple dairy factories and farmers. The GMO nature of our system seemed to be the most likely reason for this failure to establish a proper line of communication. Professor Martin Goedhart and Dr. Maaike de Heij gave us great tips on how we should approach companies. After implementing their advice, we were able to achieve contact more easily. One of the researchers at a big dairy company was even surprised we were allowed to visit one of their factories!
To gain insights into the current legislation and policy with regard to biotechnology, we contacted Rob Duba, a senior policy officer on Biotechnology at the Department of Infrastructure and Environment. We learned that both the licensing for working with GMOs and notification at Bureau GGO is publicly available. If our biosensor is deemed for restricted use, it is necessary for the company to have applied for a GMO license as well as requiring designated Biosafety staff. Unfortunately, up to this moment, no GMO biosensor exists that was not categorized for restricted use. Only in the unlikely case that the biosensor gets an EU market approval (in Dutch: EU Markttoelating), which essentially allows GMOs that are deemed safe to be released in nature, a company using it is not obliged to get a license.
If our product leads to less milk spoilage, would that mean farmers can sell less milk? Would it drive down the cost of milk?
During the beginning of our project, we asked ourselves this question. We want our product to be beneficial for everyone.
To gain some perspective we shared our worries with two big dairy companies and a small dairy farmer. Everyone was quite clear about this; no! Especially at the factory they told us that the more cheese they can make, the better. If they lose less product, that does not mean they will buy less milk, just a larger profit margin.
- Iemand
