Description

In this special episode of The Future of Medicine, host Euan Ashley sits down with Jennifer Doudna, Nobel laureate and co-discoverer of CRISPR-Cas9, to explore the dramatic ascent of genome editing and what it means for the future of medicine. From the promise of precision therapy that could be “one-and-done” to the challenges of translating groundbreaking science into scalable treatments, this conversation dives deep into science, ethics, policy, and the art of communicating complex ideas to the public.

What you’ll hear:

• A primer on the CRISPR revolution: how a discovery two decades ago has evolved into a potential deluge of targeted therapies.
• Precision therapy that’s more than a symptom fix: the idea of genome editing as a “precision surgery” that could cure diseases rather than require lifelong treatment.
• From one patient to many: the path from an N-of-1 success to scalable, population-wide strategies, including the role of the microbiome in health and disease.
• Real-world regulatory perspectives: how agencies are thinking about repeatable, off-the-shelf genome-editing tools and what it takes to translate a breakthrough into a therapy.
• The regulatory and scientific roadmaps: the steps scientists and clinicians must navigate to bring CRISPR-based therapies to patients rapidly and safely.
• The power and responsibility of storytelling: why scientists must improve public communication and how clear, non-jargony narratives can build trust.
• Combating misinformation: reflections on the moment when science is under scrutiny and how researchers can connect with diverse audiences.

Guest bio: Jennifer Doudna is a pioneering biochemist and a leading figure in the CRISPR gene-editing revolution. As a founder of the Innovative Genomics Institute, her work has opened new frontiers in biology and medicine. Her research continues to shape how we think about disease mechanisms, therapy development, and the ethics of powerful new technologies.

Why this episode matters: CRISPR technology is at a pivotal moment — one that could redefine what’s possible in medicine within a generation. This episode offers an insider’s view of where the science stands, what’s required to move from amazing results to real-world therapies, and how we, as a society, can navigate the opportunities and responsibilities that come with transformative science.

Notes for listeners:

• Not a distant dream: the conversation highlights tangible progress toward therapies that could be delivered in months rather than years, with the potential to affect thousands of patients.
• A balanced view: along with the excitement, the episode addresses safety, ethics, and the essential role of clear communication in building public trust.
• Public-facing science: practical thoughts on how researchers can explain their work to non-scientists — helping to bridge the gap between the lab and everyday life.

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