Publications
There have been several reports over the years on Synthetic Biology. Here are a few - more details below:
- Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues: New Directions: The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies.
- Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology: Analysis of public policy issues related to synthetic biology.
This report presents the findings of a series of public workshops and stakeholder interviews on the science and issues surrounding synthetic biology.
- Institution of Engineering and Technology: E&T Magazine: Special issue focussing on synthetic biology.
- Royal Academy of Enginnering: Synthetic Biology: Scope, applications and implications.
- Royal Academy of Enginnering: Synthetic Biology: Public dialogue on synthetic biology.
- Royal Society: Synthetic Biology: Scientific discussion meeting summary.
- BBSRC: "Synthetic Biology Social and Ethical Challenges", A. Balmer and P. Martin.
A Strategic Roadmap for Synthetic Biology in the UK
A UK roadmap for Synthetic Biology, produced by an independent panel of experts for the government's Department for Business Innovation and Skills, was published in July 2012 in order to develop 'a roadmap that defines the likely timeframe and actions required to establish a world leading Synthetic Biology industry within the UK.'
Core themes
Five core themes emerged from this work. They were:
- Foundational science and engineering: the need for sufficient capabilities for the UK to maintain a leading edge
- Continuing responsible research and innovation: including the need for awareness, training and adherence to regulatory frameworks
- Developing technology for commercial use
- Applications and markets: identifying growth markets and developing applications
- International cooperation
Key recommendations
To achieve these themes, five key recommendations were outlined:
- Invest in a network of multidisciplinary centres to establish an outstanding UK synthetic biology resource.
- Build a skilled, energised and well-funded UK-wide synthetic biology community [for example, via the Synthetic Biology Special Interest Group].
- Invest to accelerate technology responsibly to market.
- Assume a leading international role.
- Establish a leadership council
Synthetic Biology Leadership Council
As part of the recommendations of the Synthetic Biology roadmap for the UK, the UK Government established a Synthetic Biology Leadership Council (SBLC) as a steering structure governance body that can assess progress, update recommendations and shape priorities for future implementation of the synthetic biology roadmap for the UK.
The SBLC will provide a visible point for strategic coordination between the funding agencies, the research community, industry, government sponsors and other stakeholders, including societal and ethical representatives.
The Parliamentary Office on Science and Technology - Postnote on Synthetic Biology
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology produced a Postnote on Synthetic Biology. This helps put into context recent developments, the benefits and possible risks associated with synthetic biology together with the policy options for the development and governance of the research.
Synthetic Biology could raise some concerns regarding ethics, bio security, bio safety, ownership of intellectual property and question the motivation of stakeholders. Concern is also been raised regarding the lack of proper regulation both within the Scientific Community and by governments Worldwide.
Synthetic Biology Dialogue Report
To address public opinion the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) initiated a project to develop a dialogue with the public regarding their concerns and aspirations for this emerging field. (These institutions invest over a billion pounds of public money annually in the engineering, physical and biosciences with a clear strategic focus on improving the quality of life in the UK)
The findings of the Synthetic Biology Dialogue Report were published at a launch event in London on 14 June 2010.
The report presents the findings of a series of public workshops and stakeholder interviews on the science and issues surrounding synthetic biology. The Project took place during 2009-2010 and was carried out by the TNS-BMRB, BBSRC, EPSRC with the support of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Sciencewise programme.
The public can see the enormous potential of science but are concerned about the speed of progress, regulation and the risks of synthetic biology to health and the environment. In the future Research Councils will have to consider the technical and ethical issues connected to research and reflect on the motivation and leadership within the scientific community. Although International co-ordination of regulation was raised, in the context of technical advances in a global economy the challenges faced will make this difficult to implement. More information is available here.
A Synthetic Biology Overview Reportwas published in February 2011 which gives a summary of the key findings.