Programmable plants are reshaping agriculture and our relationship with plants, but also raising critical social and ethical questions. From privacy and ownership to labor impacts and resource allocation, these issues influence how digital biology evolves and how society embraces its possibilities. By fostering meaningful dialogue between scientists, stakeholders, and the public, we aim to align innovation with societal needs and values.
CROPPS social scientists focus on bridging the gap between research and society. Through active public engagement and social science research, the team examines how new technologies intersect with societal expectations, enabling a more inclusive approach to innovation in agriculture. By integrating societal perspectives into agricultural innovation, this research ensures that new programmable plant technologies are developed with an awareness of their broader implications. Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, we aim to build a more inclusive and equitable future for agriculture, where technology serves both people and the planet.
