CRISPR inventors recognized for bringing greatest benefit to humankind
On 7th October 2020, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. Ever since the development of these so-called ‘genetic scissors’ in 2012, plant biotechnologists have embraced this cutting-edge technology to drive scientific innovation for a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. The recognition of this genome editing tool by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences resonates with our belief that CRISPR has revolutionized life sciences in a way that greatly benefits mankind. No doubt, this historical news will trigger Europe to reconsider its stand on genome editing for the future of agriculture.