Synthetic Biology

The Royal Academy of Engineering published its study on the emerging field of synthetic biology in May 2009. The report Synthetic Biology: scope, applications and implications defines the term ‘synthetic biology’, reviews the state of the field and considers potential future developments and their likely technological, economic and societal impact. It assesses the requirements for the development of the field and identifies key policy issues.

Synthetic biology is defined as the engineering of biologically based parts, novel devices and systems as well as the redesigning of existing, natural biological systems. The report concludes that it is destined to become of critical importance to building the nation’s wealth and has the potential to transform world industry in areas such as energy, health and the environment; to produce a new era of wealth generation; and create large numbers of new jobs.

In order to ensure that the UK is in the best possible place to benefit from synthetic biology, the report makes three recommendations:

  • A strategic plan for synthetic biology in the UK: This should be a joint initiative between Government and the national academies with input from academia and industry. Its goal should be the rapid and successful translation of research into commercial applications.

  • Investment in training and research infrastructure: A number of multidisciplinary research and training centres dedicated to synthetic biology are needed. These will provide the skilled workforce required if new industries are to be realised.

  • Societal and ethical implications: the collaboration of social scientists and philosophers, along with a public engagement programme, is essential for the successful development of synthetic biology.

  • Synthetic Biology report (996KB) Adobe PDF document icon image

 

 

Updated July 2012

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