A Global Perspective on Synthetic Biology
ID: 3677

Abstract: Synthetic Biology is the approach to engineer and study biological systems that do not exist as such in nature, and use this approach for (1) achieving better understanding of life processes, (2) generating and assembling functional modular components, and (3) developing novel applications or processes. After a number of scientific success stories reported within the last years this technology has actually reached a point of intersection towards different future scenarios. The panel will decribe the status quo and future initiatives in Europe in the uptake of Synthetic Biology. Based on the roadmap for strategic development of Synthetic Biology in the public and private sector which was developed within the European TESSY project the first presentation of this panel will outline the challenges that have to be addressed within the next years from a European perspective and which measures seem to be appropriate. Among the issues discussed in the presentation are questions with respect to standardization of parts and devices, the clarification of patent issues, educational aspects and communication with the public. The second presentation will consider examples of research and education activity in Synthetic Biology in Europe. At the moment there is research activity within Universities primarily in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and France - although there is developing research in Synthetic Biology within The Netherlands and Spain. It is clear that a number of National Governments within the European Union are now beginning to undertake capacity building programmes in Synthetic Biology. The third presentation will illustrate the private sector activities in Europe. Even being a very young academic field, Synthetic Biology has already developed into a small but thriving industry. This includes a rapidly evolving market of buyers and vendors of SB products and services, and first steps towards the creation of standards and institutions. Such a rather unique very early maturation opens up extremely promising opportunities for all stakeholders. To a large extent, this development has happened in Europe. Several academic groups have achieved breakthrough SB research results. The Industry Association Synthetic Biology (IASB) has been created in Germany and is gradually developing into an international organization, focussing on the industrial aspects of Synthetic Biology. Analyzing the differences between the American and the European way how Synthetic Biology (SB) was implemented into existing Life Science research and industry clearly shows that originally different driving forces are now converging close to similar results. In the US Synthetic Biology, as the ultimate consequence of the X’omics era finally resulting from the perception of functional genomics and systems biology, is the result of a number of high level public academic institutions and some private initiative. In contrast, Europe's acceess to Synthetic Biology was strongly accompanied by pioneering enabling technology companies in the field of de novo gene synthesis creating visibility on the market and providing the new technologies for improving the genetic engineering experiments of its customers. A new dynamic for future exploitation in many application fields like in drug development and production, in gene and cell therapies (theranostics), medical supply but also increasingly in industrial biotech improving many processes for saving energy and improving quality of products as well as opening new opportunities is expected.





Eleonore Pauwels

The field of synthetic biology is rapidly growing and evolving as it establishes itself in the scientific community. Consequently, the emergence of synthetic biology has been increasingly reported in the press of different countries. At this early stage, it is worthwhile to note that the coverage of synthetic biology varies from country to country; with some countries emphasizing potential risks or benefits, others focusing on future applications, and still others examining the social and ethical concerns that might arise as the technology is developed.



Unanswered by this analysis and by social science researchers is the question of the precise role the media plays in shaping public perceptions about an emerging technology. Do sensationalist headlines create irrational public fear? Is popular reaction to facts contained in press articles about a new technology more influenced by people’s own cultural outlooks and their views regarding the editorial bias of a particular media outlet than by the information itself?



The objective of this paper is not to draw exhaustive conclusions on the press coverage of synthetic biology but rather to provide readers with a qualitative insight on how synthetic biology is being introduced into public discourse and the popular press. Ultimately, this paper aims to highlight the main trends and the emerging areas of convergences and differences that characterize the coverage of synthetic biology in prominent American and European print media outlets.



In an attempt to contextualize this press coverage data, the paper will also present the key findings from a national poll of 1,300 adults dedicated to synthetic biology and, ipse modo, give an insight into the American public’s awareness of and perceptions about potential benefits and risks of synthetic biology.



The data in this paper was taken from 1) two recent reports written on media trends in coverage of synthetic biology in the United States and Europe between January 2003 and 2008, respectively and 2) a national poll of 1,300 adults conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Wilson International Center. This poll was informed by two focus groups conducted in August 2008 in suburban Baltimore, MD. They appear to be the world’s first focus groups and first representative national telephone survey on the topic of synthetic biology.



Finally, this paper aims to reflect on both the aspects of synthetic biology that may be welcomed by the public, and the concerns over synthetic biology that may lead to the public’s potential uneasiness. It concludes with a suggested agenda of future social science research which can inform how public perceptions of synthetic biology develop.









Moderator: Sibylle Gaisser, Fraunhofer Institute Systems and Innovation Research (Germany)

Presenter 1: A roadmap towards Synthetic Biology - challenges and future measures
Sibylle Gaisser, Fraunhofer Institute Systems and Innovation Research, (Germany)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 2: Synthetic Biology – The European Academic Situation 
Richard Kitney, Imperial College London, (United Kingdom)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 3: Europe's Biotech Industry embraces Synthetic Biology - Market Perspectives of the European Synthetic Biology Community 
Hubert Bernauer, BioRegion Freiburg / Bio Valley, (Germany)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 4 (if necessary): COMMUNICATING SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY - Overview of the Main Trends in American and European Press Coverage of Synthetic Biology 
Eleonore Pauwels, Woodrow Wilson International Center For Scholars, (United States)  []

Panel Organizer:
Sibylle Gaisser, Fraunhofer Institute Systems and Innovation Research, (Germany)

Why should your submission should be selected for this year’s program?
As proposed by Brent Erickson information presented on a panel on the Synthetic Biology activities in Europe such as the roadmap recently published, the new infrastructural measures at the universities and the joint forces of industry will provide an intersting platform for the discussion of the market perspectives in Synthetic Biology.