Researchers funded by European Research Council (ERC) have rapidly adopted and expanded the use of CRISPR/Cas gene-editing technology across diverse scientific fields.
Recognised with the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, CRISPR/Cas has become one of the most significant breakthroughs in genetic research, just nine years after its discovery.
In response to its growing influence, the ERC Scientific Council has published a report analysing how ERC-funded research has contributed to both the development and application of CRISPR/Cas technology.
Since 2014, the ERC has supported over 1 200 researchers across 24 countries, investing more than €2.66 billion to explore CRISPR/Cas’s potential. Most of these projects (86%) focus on basic research that deepens our understanding of complex biological mechanisms and human diseases. Other projects (14%) have applied the technology in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine.
The widespread adoption of CRISPR/Cas highlights the transformative character of the technology itself. What is notable is that this transformative effect is fully reflected in ERC funding, enabling research at the very frontier of scientific and technological advancements across multiple domains.
ERC-funded CRISPR/Cas research is advancing cancer gene regulation, RNA sequencing, neurodegenerative disease studies, and driving innovation in crop sustainability and microbial biotechnology. Over 30 ERC-funded CRISPR/Cas projects have led to patents, with several resulting in spin-off companies. These accomplishments underscore the impact of curiosity-driven research supported by the ERC – not only enhancing scientific understanding but also enabling practical applications with broad societal benefits.
This release is part of a series that highlights the broader impact of ERC-funded research. These reports provide scientific evidence to inform decision-makers and reflect the ERC’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity without imposing policy priorities.
More info:
CRISPR/Cas technology: A revolution in gene editing
Source: European Research Council | News & Events | News (https://shorturl.at/ZzrHP)