Synthetic Biology Background and Key Impacts

Synthetic Biology is a new area of research that, while it promises ground breaking applications, raises issues of potential societal concern. The Synthetic Biology Dialogue has been commissioned by BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) and EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), on behalf of RCUK, and will explore the public’s views, concerns and aspirations around synthetic biology. The public dialogue programme will be delivered by the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB).

Aims and objectives

• To allow the diverse perspectives of a range of UK residents to be articulated clearly and in public in order that future policies on synthetic biology can better reflect these views, concerns and aspirations.

Aspects of synthetic biology policy, public engagement and dialogue have already been explored by organisations such as BBSRC, EPSRC, the Royal Society, NESTA, the Royal Academy of Engineering and others. The synthetic biology dialogue will build on these activities to inform future Research Council and wider Government policies so that they can better reflect the public’s views.