From NSFC

Recent media reports on the claim of human embryo gene-edited babies by He Jiankui have caused widespread concerns among academic circles and the whole society in China and the rest of the world. If what He claims were true, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) would express deep concerns about the possible consequences of He’s work to the human, and strongly condemn his irresponsible act of significant violation of China’s existing laws, regulations and scientific integrity.

NSFC consistently upholds that scientific research related to genetic editing must be carried out strictly within the framework of relevant national laws and regulations, and must be subject to the supervision and restraint of scientific integrity and ethics; NSFC opposes the use of gene editing technology in human embryo and clinical application by any person, any unit, or any organization in any form under the circumstance of technical imperfections, uncontrollable risks, and violation of scientific integrity and ethics.

Scientific integrity and ethics are always the untouchable and unchallengeable bottom line for scientific research. With the advancement of science and technology, the development of scientific ethics is facing increasingly new situations and challenges. The ethical norms in scientific research should be practiced in a highly responsible way towards human beings and life. Scientific integrity must be kept in all the scientific practice.

To this end, we advocate that: researchers must strictly abide by the laws and regulations related to scientific integrity and ethics, carry forward the scientific spirit, standardize research conducts, and carry out responsible research activities with adherence to ethical principles in the process of project initiation, review and implementation; institutions must earnestly fulfill the responsibility of publicity, education, management and supervision of scientific integrity and ethics, improve the sense of responsibility and legal awareness of researchers in terms of scientific ethics, science and technology security. Once a violation of scientific integrity and ethics is revealed, it should be prevented effectively and reported promptly for punishment according to the relevant laws and regulations.