What is solution-focused risk assessment, and how can it help in the governance of emerging technologies? Solution-focused risk assessment, or SFRA, is a novel way of thinking about and managing risks developed by Adam Finkel. It involves analyzing the good and bad consequences of what we can do to address an issue, rather than only worrying about the harms of what we are doing. USEFUL LINKS Adam Finkel (2011). ""Solution-Focused Risk Assessment": A Proposal for the Fusion of Environmental Analysis and Action." Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 17(4): 754-787. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807039.2011.588142 Adam Finkel (2015) "Two Complementary 'Solution-Focused' Approaches to Maximizing Net Societal Benefit from Synthetic Biology" At the Harvard Law School workshop "Synthetic Biology: Science, Policy, and Ethics" http://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/events/details/synthetic-biology Alfred P. Sloan Foundation program on Synthetic Biology: https://sloan.org/programs/completed-programs/synthetic-biology ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work was funded through a generous grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to explore the use of solution focused risk assessment in addressing emerging applications of synthetic biology. It was conceived by Adam Finkel, and developed in collaboration between Adam and Andrew Maynard (also an investigator on the project). RISK BITES Risk Bites videos are devised, created and produced by Andrew Maynard, in association with the Arizona State University School for the Future of Innovation in Society (http://sfis.asu.edu). They focus on issues ranging from risk assessment and evidence-based decision making, to the challenges associated with emerging technologies and opportunities presented by public interest technology. Risk Bites videos are produced under a Creative Commons License CC-BY-SA Backing track: Blue and Green by RimskyMusic. https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/blue-and-green Click here to see more videos: https://alugha.com/RiskBites
Okay so this has nothing to do with risk. Or science (sort of). But I couldn't resist making it! I love Thanksgiving. This has to be one of the best holidays, period. Negligible commercialization, great food, and a chance to relax, catch up with family and friends, and contemplate everything you
A gene drive is a radical new way of re-engineering the genetic makeup of an entire species - including harmful insects like the mosquito. But as the technology steams head, fueled by powerful gene editing techniques coming out of synthetic biology like CRISPR Cas9, what are the risks, and how can w
Advanced brain computer interfaces like the one being developed by Elon Musk’s Neuralink have the potential to transform our lives for the better. But they also come with complex ethical challenges. In this collaboration with Elma Hajric, Risk Bites dives into some of ethical risks and responsible
