Synthetic Biology – Engaging with New and Emerging Science and Technology in Responsible Governance of the Science and Society Relationship 

SYNENERGENE was a four years long Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan addressing the present and future challenges related to the cooperation between Science and Society in the area of Synthetic Biology.

A constant mutual learning process

The project brought together stakeholders and the public in mutual learning processes, strengthening the European societal ecosystem for Responsible Research and Innovation in Synthetic Biology within a global context. Synthetic biology (SynBio) offers huge potential for applications in energy, health and the environment. It also brings with it various challenges such as regulatory issues of biosafety, biosecurity and intellectual property rights, as well as potential environmental and socio-economic risks in developing countries.

Establish an open dialogue between stakeholders

As yet, however, there is scant public knowledge about the technology. It is thus essential to establish an open dialogue between stakeholders concerning SynBio’s potential benefits and risks and to explore possibilities for its ‘collaborative shaping’ on the basis of public participation. SYNENERGENE organised a wide range of mobilisation and mutual learning processes relating to these challenges. Besides a number of well-established European and international networks, the consortium encompassed and mobilised a wide variety of stakeholders from science, industry, civil society, policy, education, art and other areas.

Foster RRI through public engagement 

Learning processes contributed to a better understanding of SynBio research and innovation and to enhanced public engagement, while at the same time stimulating reflection on novel approaches to an inclusive governance framework that is capable of fostering responsible research and innovation (RRI). The processes involved citizens and specific audiences through well-established and innovative means of engagement, and supported the convergence of stakeholders and perspectives. Activities were structured around four platforms, highlighting SynBio’s future, public, cultural and research & innovation perspectives. The iterative mutual learning process within SYNENERGENE was open to change in order to accommodate the dynamics of an emergent field. By its approach, design and consortium, SYNENERGENE was a Science in Society activity with significant impact, raising public awareness of SynBio and yielding benefits for involved stakeholders, public discourse and European policy making in an international context.

Tangible benefits for all science engagement professionals

You only have a vague idea of what synthetic biology actually is? Find out more online and join discussion platforms open to all.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 621488.