The Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA

The Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA, held in 1975, was a pioneering meeting where scientists gathered to discuss the safe use of genetic engineering techniques. As scientists developed methods to alter DNA, concerns arose about potential risks to health and the environment. The conference resulted in voluntary guidelines to ensure research was conducted responsibly and safely, emphasizing containment measures and ethical considerations. It set a precedent for responsible scientific innovation, balancing progress with safety, and helped establish protocols that continue to influence genetic research today.