Understanding how genetics can play a role in addressing climate challenges

Researchers at universities and companies are exploring how genetics can be a tool to help with problems posed by a changing climate. Some technologies are already being trialed and many more are under development.

Policy-makers and citizens will need to consider whether, how, and where we develop and implement these technologies.

At Connecting Genetics to Climate we want information about these technologies to be as transparent and accessible as possible.

Connection

We connect people and ideas

Curiosity

We ask and gather questions

Communication

We bring our learning to you

Our team

Geoffrey (Geoff) HuntDirector of Strategy and Partnerships

Geoff Hunt is a program director with extensive experience creating mechanisms that bring together different communities to foster engagement and conversation around scientific topics. Geoff has worked for several international organizations, including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Society for Microbiology, and he was the inaugural Director of LabX, a public engagement program at the National Academy of Sciences. In addition to (or as part of) his day job, Geoff has been known to perform the occasional science rap.

Leonor SierraDirector of Communications and Engagement

Leonor Sierra is a science communication and science policy professional with more than 15 years of expertise in bringing accessible and accurate evidence into public dialogue (in English and Spanish). In addition to her work with us, Leonor is a lead on the Risk Know-How campaign of the UK-based nonprofit, Sense About Science, and a leading founder of Ciencia en el Parlamento (Science in Parliament), an initiative that connects science and policy-making in Spain.

Morgan ThompsonDirector of Operations

Morgan Thompson is a communicator and educator experienced in public engagement, science communication, and training the future scientific workforce. In addition to her work with us, Morgan is a member and volunteer for the Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment and continues to train early career scientists in communication (interpersonal and community-based), leadership, mentoring, and being well and working well as science professionals.

You can reach us at hello@connectgenetics.org
or individually at [firstname]_[lastname]@connectgenetics.org

Our Story

Connecting Genetics to Climate is partnering with the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) as of November 1, 2025. We are excited about continuing our mission to make information about biotechnologies with climate applications as transparent and accessible as possible. Our work was founded in 2023 by Dr. Ting Wu in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School.

If you would like to support our work you can donate to EBRC, indicating “Connecting Genetics to Climate” as the program you would like to support (on the second page of the donation payment form), or you can contact us directly about making a gift.

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