Civil code will strengthen research ethics

What they say

Genetic engineering is a promising technology, and Chinese scientists will want to take advantage of it. But to better utilize this instrument, we must have good regulations as a prerequisite. In the end, our goal is to let our biomedical industries develop in a healthy way.

Zhu Tongyu, head of the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and member of the CPPCC National Committee

it is imperative and forward-looking to include clear regulations on modifying human genes and embryos in the civil code. As science and technology develop rapidly in today's world, society will pay more attention to research ethics-a topic of international concern. Enshrining these rules in the civil code shows how much China cares about this topic, which will help facilitate international collaboration and healthy development in the relevant fields.

Zhou Zhonghe, paleontologist and member of the CPPCC National Committee

The inclusion of genetic editing in the civil code will be instrumental for future regulations. The ethical issues brought forth by the advent of new technologies not only require scientists to solve them, but also timely and precise legislative regulation. China will need to establish a clear and comprehensive legal framework to ensure effective supervision of genetic engineering technology.

Wang Ting, director-general of the China Research Institute for Science Popularization