EBNet members from a range of backgrounds whose work is impacted by synthetic or engineering biology may be interested in a new publication on Governing Synthetic Biology, in the Oxford Biology Primers series.
This book is intended as an introductory text providing readers from different disciplines with an overview of the social, political and ethical dimensions of synthetic biology. It also aims to encourage those involved to think creatively and critically about their ambitions for the field, and to identify their own possible roles in the governance and oversight of this technology. The book includes sections on
Governance: What, why, and how?
Futures: Imagining futures shapes the present
Funding: Shaping technologies through money
Ownership: Controlling use and benefits
Infrastructure: An often invisible but critical part of governance
Regulation: Promoting biosafety and biosecurity in synthetic biology
Bringing it all together: Designing technologies, building worlds
Dr Rob Smith, one of the book’s authors, said “The text is written for undergrad and Masters students, and for courses on the social dimensions of biotechnology, but would make a suitable introduction for anyone in the field”. Rob is a Lecturer in Responsible Research & Innovation at Science Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh, and a member of the team which produced the Exploring Environmental Biotechnology as a Field Report.
An updated report from EBNet’s Environmental Biotechnology and Social Sciences (EBSS) WG is now available here and on the WG webpage.
Governing Synthetic Biology. 2025. Frow, E., Smith, R. and Sundaram, L. Oxford University Press. E-book ISBN: 9780192585868.
Exploring Environmental Biotechnology as a Field. Ely, A., Coburn, J., Moore, D., Parker, K., Smith, R., Calvert, J., & I. RĂ fols (2025) Full Report and Executive Summary.
