A Culturally Grounded Method for Dialogue Between Indigenous Peoples and Researchers on Emerging Technologies Lessons from the Gene Drive Context

This paper presents a participatory method for conducing a collaborative and culturally appropriate dialogue process between gene drive researchers and Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Coordinated by the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research and representatives of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), this dialogue aimed to build trust and facilitate mutual understanding and create a safe space for sharing traditional knowledge, rather than to reach decisions on the research or implementation of gene drive technology. Over a three-year period, the dialogue evolved through multiple formats, recognising the specific needs to establish a meaningful and culturally appropriate dialogue between these two groups, while ensuring that Indigenous Peoples and local communities could share their traditional knowledge, traditions and innovations in a safe and trusted environment. The method integrates key engagement principles – such as good faith, reciprocity, inclusivity, and respect for Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ knowledge systems – and describes how they were operationalised in practice. It provides a concrete example of applied engagement methodology in the context of gene drive and explores how these principles have influenced the dialogue’s format and the journey of both groups throughout this process, while also sharing some of the challenges they encountered. This is not a theoretical review, but a joint account from practitioners from diverse backgrounds and interests, on how engagement methods can be implemented in real-world settings. The approach offers practical insights for designing sustained and scalable engagement strategies between scientists and Indigenous Peoples on complex and emerging science topics.