Aim
The term ‘Environmental Biotechnology’ (EB) is central to EBNet’s activities, but its use has raised some interesting questions. It does not have universal recognition, nor do all users agree on what it encompasses; however, many see a value in having such a term. The purpose of this EBNet Working Group is to examine the histories, contemporary dynamics and potential futures of the field of environmental biotechnology, drawing on insights from the social sciences, in particular science and technology studies (STS). The Working Group conducts exploratory research, summarises and shares findings, considers future interdisciplinary projects and makes recommendations to EBNet. Although not intended as a membership WG, there are opportunities for input from the EBNet community.
Highlighted Outputs
For information on activities to March 2025 see the EBSS WG Report.Â
Follow links for the full report on Exploring Environmental Biotechnology as a Field and the Executive Summary.
A video presenting results from the project, based on a presentation given at the UK-AsSIST Reflexions conference in June 2025, is available HERE.
Related output
For a further output, not produced by the EBSS WG team, but very much inspired by and carried out in parallel with their work, see the following publication:
What is Environmental Biotechnology? Widely applied, but a clear definition of the term is still needed. Heaven, S., Kusch-Brandt, S., Byfield, L., Bywater, A., Coulon, F., Curtis, T., Gutierrez, T., Higson, A. and Sadhukhan, J., 2025. Environments 2025, 12(10), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100393
And for related posts see The Glamour Factor? and What is Environmental Biotechnology? A Venn diagram approachÂ
Events
WORKSHOP: ‘Exploring The Past, Present and Futures of Environmental Biotechnology as a Field’ – 11-17:00, 4 Nov 2024, Central London. This one-day workshop presented interim findings from an exploration of the field, and asked the participants some important and provocative questions about the future. The results form part of the final report on Exploring Environmental Biotechnology as a Field.
Interested?
Contact us on EBNet[@]EBNet.ac.uk for more information and to be put in touch with the team.