Géniques

Géniques is a term used in some discussions of biotechnology and speculative biology to denote the study and practice of techniques that influence genetic information in living organisms. The concept foregrounds not only the technical methods but also the theoretical and ethical frameworks that guide their use.

In this usage, géniques encompasses gene editing, regulation of gene expression, genome design, and related delivery approaches, as well as the computational and systems-biology work needed to model outcomes. The field is described as cross-disciplinary, spanning genetics, bioinformatics, ethics, law, and policy, with applications imagined in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management.

The term is not uniformly standardized and appears mainly in debates about the future of biotechnology. Some writers use géniques to distinguish practical manipulation of genetic material from broader genetics research, while others employ it as an umbrella for emerging capabilities that may require new governance norms.

Given the potential risks, proponents emphasize responsible innovation, risk assessment, transparency, public engagement, and robust regulatory frameworks to address safety, equity, and dual-use concerns.

Critics warn that the label can blur boundaries with established disciplines such as genetics and synthetic biology, and may hinder clear policy discussion if used inconsistently.

See also: genetics, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, bioethics.