About

The GES Center brings together scholars, students, and partners from the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities and the arts to study how genetic and genomic biotechnologies shape society and are in turn shaped by it. As a global hub at the intersection of science, technology, the social sciences and the humanities, the center examines how these technologies are developed, governed, communicated, and used across a wide range of social and environmental contexts and leads graduate training through the GES graduate minor.

The GES Center investigates the technical, ethical, and societal dimensions of biotechnology and its impacts in areas such as agriculture and food systems, health and conservation. Through collaborative research, graduate education and public engagement, the center promotes more anticipatory, inclusive and responsible approaches to innovation, helping decision-makers and communities navigate both the promises and the risks of rapidly evolving genetic and genomic technologies.

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Impact

Since its establishment, the GES Cluster has strengthened NC State’s leadership in understanding and shaping the future of biotechnology. Faculty affiliated with the cluster have contributed research and analysis that inform regulatory processes, emerging governance frameworks, and public discussions around rapidly developing technologies. Their work has supported policymakers, research institutions, and international organizations in navigating complex questions related to risk, innovation, and societal impact.

GES-affiliated scholars have also advanced new models for interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating scientific research with contextual analysis, communication strategies, and policy engagement. These efforts have helped expand NC State’s global presence in the study of biotechnology and society, while supporting the development of future leaders through applied research opportunities and graduate mentoring.

History

The GES Cluster grew out of more than a decade of campus-wide investment in interdisciplinary work on biotechnology and society. Its foundation was laid through NC State’s National Science Foundation–funded IGERT program, which pioneered integrated training across genetics, ecology, policy, and the social sciences. That program helped establish the university’s distinctive approach to studying biotechnology within real-world contexts.

Building on this foundation, the GES Center was created to expand the scope of interdisciplinary research and training. The later formation of the GES Cluster within the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program further strengthened the university’s commitment to supporting collaborative scholarship across colleges. Today, the cluster continues to evolve as biotechnology advances, providing a structure for faculty to work together on emerging scientific, societal, and governance challenges.