Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS)

About: Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Life-cycle assessment & Sustainability. The organization has 167 authors who have published 318 publications receiving 6738 citations.

The illusion of control in germline-engineering policy

Abstract: VOLUME 35 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2017 NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY correlation between gCSI and CTRP data sets is significantly increased using GRAOC rather than AUC as a response metric (P = 1.3 × 10-3, Student’s t-test; Supplementary Fig. 4). And third, efficacy as measured by GRmax and potency as measured by GR50 differ at a biological level, carry complementary information (low mutual information), and are associated with largely non-overlapping genetic alterations. In principle, variation in potency and efficacy can be captured by integrating across dose–response curves (GRAOC), but we find that information content is maximized if GR50 and GRmax are considered independently. Because the ultimate purpose of antineoplastic drugs is to kill cancer cells13, and high potency is no guarantee of good efficacy, we propose that the best drugs and most important pharmacogenomic associations are not those associated with low IC50 values, but rather those that result in the most negative GR value at clinically relevant drug concentrations (e.g., Cmax). Relating in vitro measures of drug sensitivity to in vivo responses remains challenging17, but for this to have any chance of success it is essential that in vitro data are as informative and reproducible as possible. Figure 2 Variation in efficacy and genomic enrichment based on GRmax values in the gCSI data set. (a) Distribution of GRmax and GR50 values for each drug across all cell lines. GR50 values are capped at 31 mM. (b) GR50 and GRmax enrichment by genomic alteration for each drug and tissue. Numbers represent significant (FDR < 0.15) associations for GRmax alone (red dots), GR50 alone (blue), or GRmax plus GR50 (purple). (c) Distribution of GRmax values for docetaxel in ovarian cancer lines based on BCL2 deletion status. Rank-sum P-value is reported. (n = 23). -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1

Participation in ‘big style’: first observations at the German citizens’ dialogue on future technologies

Abstract: In 2010, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research started a series of citizens’ dialogues on future technologies. In the context of the German history of public participation in technology-oriented policy making, these dialogues are unique for at least two reasons: The Federal Ministry retains the responsibility for the entire process and is heavily involved in its planning, organization and communication, and the number of participants and process elements is significantly higher than in most other participative events. The paper presents insights into the political background of the citizens’ dialogues, its general concept as well as first observations from the dialogue rounds on energy and high-tech medicine. In addition, it discusses reactions of other political actors and expectations regarding legitimacy and representativeness of the dialogue results.

Risk assessment of nanomaterials and nanoproducts ? adaptation of traditional approaches

Abstract: Different approaches have been adopted for assessing the potential risks of conventional chemicals and products for human health. In general, the traditional paradigm is a toxicological-driven chemical-by-chemical approach, focusing on single toxic endpoints. Scope and responsibilities for the development and implementation of a risk assessment concept vary across sectors and areas and depends on the specific regulatory environment and the specific protection goals. Thus, risk assessment implication is a complex task based not only on science based knowledge but also on the regulatory context involving different parties and stakeholders. Questions have been raised whether standard paradigms for conventional chemicals would be applicable and adequate for new materials, products and applications of nanotechnology. Most scientists and stakeholders assume that current standard methods are in principle applicable to nanomaterials, but specific aspects require further development. The paper presents additional technical improvements like the complementary use of the life cycle methodology and the support of risk-based classification systems. But also aspects improving the utility of risk assessment with regard to societal impacts on risk governance are discussed.

Synthetic Biology: Seeking for Orientation in the Absence of Valid Prospective Knowledge and of Common Values

Abstract: Synthetic biology seeks employing technology to shape living systems, possibly up to creating artificial life. This obviously raises the issue of responsibility. However, at this stage, there is almost no valid prospective knowledge available, neither about specific innovation paths and products based on research in synthetic biology nor about consequences and impacts of production, use, side-effects and disposal of such products. So, the traditional consequentialist approach to providing orientation by analysing and assessing prospective knowledge about anticipated consequences cannot be applied. Today’s responsibility debate on synthetic biology consists of narratives about future developments such as visions, expectations, fears, concerns and hopes. A hermeneutic analysis of this debate can tell us something about ourselves, our contemporary expectations and concerns, diagnoses and judgments, hopes and fears. A better understanding of this mental, cultural, or philosophical background helps for better imbedding arguments in the absence of valid prospective knowledge and common values.

The role of long-term planning in nuclear waste governance

Abstract: A central challenge in nuclear waste governance is the long time frame over which institutional control of the waste is needed. Most countries favour some kind of underground storage of the...