Dr Edze Westra, from the University of Exeter, says gene editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 may usher in a golden era of health.
Dr Westra believes the ability to splice selected DNA into cells with great precision is destined to become 'super important' in the next two decades.
He foresees it transforming the human race by creating generations of people for whom cancer, failing vision, and the diseases of old age or bad genes are distant memories.
The bioscientist said: 'There is always a risk with this kind of technology and fears about designer babies and we have started having discussions about that so we can understand the consequences and long-term risks.
The most promising form of gene editing, known as CRISPR/Cas9, was first demonstrated in 2012.
Dr Westra said: 'Gene editing is causing a true revolution in science and medicine, because it allows for very precise DNA surgery.
'A mutation in a gene that causes disease can now be repaired using CRISPR.'