BRAGging
It is announcements like this one that remind me why I should take my current graduate studies seriously. While I may not be directly involved with the crafting of said bioengineered organisms, I am examining and exploring the small-scale dispersal of a creature difficult to observe. This experience may prove vital in exploring the consequences of a large-scale release of some future engineered creature.
"The purpose of the USDA Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) Program is to assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the effects of introducing genetically modified organisms into the environment. Investigations of effects on both managed and natural environments are relevant. Applications to the USDA BRAG Program must seek partial funding for a conference or address one of the following areas:
- Identify and develop practices to minimize risks associated with genetically engineered organisms;
- Research methods to monitor the dispersal of genetically engineered organisms;
- Research to increase knowledge about the characteristics, rates, and methods of gene transfer that may occur between genetically engineered organisms, and related organisms;
- Perform assessments to provide analysis which compares impacts of organisms modified through genetic engineering to other types of production systems;
- Other areas of research designed to further the purposes of the USDA BRAG program."
I need to keep my eyes on this money, because I would like to work with whatever labs become more directly involved in tackling this project.