Synthetic Biology at the Intersection of Science, Ethics and Policy

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field combining biological and engineering to designing and redesigning genes, biological pathways, or organisms to solve society's major problems and understand biological principles. Rapid advancements in synthetic biology are reshaping how we approach challenges in health, the environment, and beyond. However, these breakthroughs raise questions about what should be permitted and how new technologies should be regulated. To that end, the global conversation on biotechnology must account for responsible frameworks that guide future scientific innovation.

The symposium convenes a diverse community of scholars and practitioners in academia, industry, nonprofits and government for a deep dive into the intersection of emerging biotechnologies, public policy, and ethical responsibility.

The program is organized around two themes based on synthetic biology products: environmental and therapeutic applications of synthetic biology. The event will feature internationally recognized leaders in synthetic biology research and development, health communication, and ethics and public policy. Through thoughtful dialogue, this symposium will address both the promise of scientific advancement and the challenges of misinformation, regulation, and public trust.
This event is hosted by the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program in partnership with Rice Synthetic Biology Institute. The event and associated research is supported by grants from Rice’s Creative Venture Fund, the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (#2223678).

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Host or Publisher Rice University's Baker Institute