Foresight Action Network’s Spring meeting on the Future Environmental Applications and Implications of Synthetic Biology is being hosted by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and sponsored by the Natural Environment Research Council. Synthetic biology aims to design and build new biological parts and systems, or to modify existing ones, to carry out novel tasks. According to the Government Office for Science, “synthetic biology has the potential to drive industry, research and employment in the life sciences in a way that could rival the development of the computer industry”. It encompasses a range of developing technologies from the redesign of bacteria to the potential creation of new species. It already offers potential for cheaper ways of producing known chemicals and drugs and may evolve further in fields such as food production, energy generation, land and water decontamination, new materials and structures and even information processing.
The Technology Strategy Board has published a UK Roadmap for Synthetic Biology and with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is jointly setting up an Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Synthetic Biology. However, understanding of the potential environmental applications and implications of these emerging technologies is less advanced, but to ensure the successful development of this new field, it will be necessary to be aware of the risks and devise possible biosafety strategies. This workshop will be an opportunity for MPs, Peers and members of the Foresight Action Network to explore and develop a better understanding of where these technologies may be used to the benefit of the environment, and also where there might be negative impacts and identify where further research is needed to protect the environment from identifiable risks.
Programme
- 12.00 noon Registration, buffet lunch, networking
- 12.40 p.m. Welcome, Brian Brader, Foresight Action Network
- 12.50 p.m. Overview of Future environmental impacts of synthetic biology, Professor Richard Owen, University of Exeter
- 1.00 p.m. Group discussions
- 2.00 p.m. Issues identified through the horizon scanning process, Dr Marco Palomino, University of Exeter
- 2.10 p.m. Feedback/plenary discussion
- 2.40 p.m. Closing remarks, Dr Chris Tyler, Director, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology