Catherine Rhodes to Deliver Online Lecture on International Pandemics Governance 11 June

1 June 2013

GCRI’s next online lecture will be given by Catherine Rhodes, who is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation at University of Manchester.

Here is the full talk info:

Sovereign Wrongs: Ethics in the Governance of Pathogenic Genetic Resources
Tuesday 11 June, 17:00 GMT (10:00 Los Angeles, 13:00 New York, 18:00 London)
To be held online via Skype. RSVP required by email to Seth Baum (seth [at] gcrinstitute.org). Space is limited.

Abstract: This presentation examines the implications of a new international approach to the governance of viruses such as H5N1 as a form of genetic resource, arguing that the approach is flawed and creates more problems than it solves. In opposition to this approach (which centres on state sovereign rights and access and benefit-sharing based on those rights), I argue for a modified common heritage approach to governance of pathogenic genetic resources and a de-linking of access and benefit-sharing requirements.

Recent Publications from GCRI

Earth-Cosmos Binary

Earth-Cosmos Binary

What should be done with the cosmos? If humanity could turn the cosmos into whatever we want, what should we want? At a minimum, this is an interesting philosophical thought experiment. However, given the potential for radical breakthroughs in advanced technology,...

AI Risk and Strategy, Early 2026

AI Risk and Strategy, Early 2026

Last year, I published an analysis of AI risk, emphasizing divergent expert opinion, high uncertainty, algorithmic reasons to be less concerned about AI takeover catastrophe, and a strategy focused on redirecting AI companies away from danger and toward the public...

Concepts for Advancing Peace

Concepts for Advancing Peace

Part of the GCRI Symposium on World Peace. World peace is often seen as a lofty theoretical ideal, but it’s worth asking, in more practical terms, What can we do? And so, this article is an initial attempt to pull together practical concepts for advancing peace. It is...

Recent Publications from GCRI

Earth-Cosmos Binary

Earth-Cosmos Binary

What should be done with the cosmos? If humanity could turn the cosmos into whatever we want, what should we want? At a minimum, this is an interesting philosophical thought experiment. However, given the potential for radical breakthroughs in advanced technology,...

AI Risk and Strategy, Early 2026

AI Risk and Strategy, Early 2026

Last year, I published an analysis of AI risk, emphasizing divergent expert opinion, high uncertainty, algorithmic reasons to be less concerned about AI takeover catastrophe, and a strategy focused on redirecting AI companies away from danger and toward the public...

Concepts for Advancing Peace

Concepts for Advancing Peace

Part of the GCRI Symposium on World Peace. World peace is often seen as a lofty theoretical ideal, but it’s worth asking, in more practical terms, What can we do? And so, this article is an initial attempt to pull together practical concepts for advancing peace. It is...

Recent Publications from GCRI

Earth-Cosmos Binary

Earth-Cosmos Binary

What should be done with the cosmos? If humanity could turn the cosmos into whatever we want, what should we want? At a minimum, this is an interesting philosophical thought experiment. However, given the potential for radical breakthroughs in advanced technology,...

AI Risk and Strategy, Early 2026

AI Risk and Strategy, Early 2026

Last year, I published an analysis of AI risk, emphasizing divergent expert opinion, high uncertainty, algorithmic reasons to be less concerned about AI takeover catastrophe, and a strategy focused on redirecting AI companies away from danger and toward the public...

Concepts for Advancing Peace

Concepts for Advancing Peace

Part of the GCRI Symposium on World Peace. World peace is often seen as a lofty theoretical ideal, but it’s worth asking, in more practical terms, What can we do? And so, this article is an initial attempt to pull together practical concepts for advancing peace. It is...