Publications

Gene Drive Development in Insect Targets: A Horizon Scanning Survey
July 2026
Mark A. Wells, Ricarda A. Steinbrecher
Gene Drive Monitor
Insect gene drive targets thumbnail

This survey provides an overview of gene drive research in insect targets up to 1 June 2026. 

We present a full analysis of the literature up to December 2023 showing which species or groups of species are proposed as targets and how far research has progressed for each target. 

This publication supersedes the preliminary version we published in November 2023.

Gene Drive Development in Non-Insect Targets – including Vertebrates, Snails, Fungi and Plants: A Horizon Scanning Survey up to end 2023
April 2026
Mark A. Wells, Ricarda A. Steinbrecher
Gene Drive Monitor
Non-insect gene drive targets thumbnail

This survey provides a comprehensive overview of gene drive research in non-insect targets up to the end of 2023, showing which species or groups of species are proposed as targets and how far research has progressed for each target. 

This publication supersedes the preliminary version we published in November 2023.

Will gene drives work? Cutting through the hype in synthetic biology
October 2025
Mark A. Wells, Ricarda A. Steinbrecher
Gene Drive Monitor
Image of a textbook

This short essay explores the increasing role of hype in science communication. Using examples from gene drive research, common forms of hype are highlighted, and their significance for decision making considered.   

A horizon scanning survey of gene drive development - October 2024
October 2024
Gene Drive Monitor
Gene Drive Monitor
Image of a textbook
Gene drive development: current and proposed non-insect targets, including vertebrates, snails, fungi and plants: A horizon scanning survey
November 2023
Mark A Wells, Ricarda A Steinbrecher
EcoNexus
Image of a textbook

Preliminary publication

This survey provides a comprehensive overview of gene drive research in non-insect targets , showing which species or groups of species are proposed as targets and how far research has progressed for each target.

Current and proposed insect targets for gene drive development: A horizon scanning survey
October 2023
Mark A Wells, Ricarda A Steinbrecher
EcoNexus
Image of a textbook

Preliminary Publication

Gene drive research has advanced furthest in insects, with numerous species in this group proposed as targets.  This survey provides an overview of which species and groups are proposed as targets, and how far research has progressed for each target.

 

Natural selfish genetic elements should not be defined as gene drives
August 2022
Mark A Wells, Ricarda A Steinbrecher
PNAS
Image of a textbook

In this letter we argue that moves to redefine selfish genetic elements found in nature as ’natural gene drives' are highly problematic in the context of the ongoing regulatory debates about gene drive technology.

 

Genetically engineered gene drives: IUCN report on Synthetic Biology lacks balance
May 2021
Mark A Wells, Ricarda A Steinbrecher
EcoNexus
Book cover, Genetically engineered gene drives

A critique of the IUCN report Genetic Frontiers for Conservation: An assessment of synthetic biology and biodiversity conservation with regards to its assessment of gene drives.

Gene Drives — a report on their science, applications, social aspects, ethics and regulations
May 2019
ENSSER
Book cover, Gene drives: a report

We authored or co-authored two of the chapters in this interdisciplinary report relating to the basic science of gene drives, their potential applications and accompanying risks. The report was produced by Critical Scientists Switzerland (CSS), European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER) and Federation of German Scientists (FGS/VDW).