February of this year was the 20th anniversary of the Asilomar Conference that considered the public health implications of what was then a new genetic technology--recombinant DNA Looking back now, this unique conference marked the beginning of an exceptional era for science and for the public discussion of science policy--one that continues unabated to this day This year alone saw a scientist turn back S614,000 in research grants as a measure of what he perceives as the possible misdirections of current molecular genetics, and a call, by religious leaders representing 80 different faiths and denominations, opposing "the patenting of genetically engineered animals and human genes, cells, and organs." This 20th anniversary is then an important opportunity to reflect on the history of that occasion and its ramifications.
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