Conference
American Association for the Advancement of ScienceFBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate
US Department of Health and Human Services
US Department of State
San Francisco, California
August 4 - 5, 2009
Synthetic biology encompasses the design and construction of novel biological parts, devices, and systems for useful and far-reaching purposes. Our conference will bring together top researchers, as well as individuals representing government agencies, industry, international partners, and amateur biologists in an effort to consider policy implications, ethical and risk management issues, and strategies to create synergies that will further the pursuit of excellence in synthetic biology research, safely and securely.
Our overarching goal for the conference is to consider the various participants' perspectives on the application and future of synthetic biology. To that end, the conference agenda will address the following:
- Define the relationship and reporting mechanisms between the scientific/industry community (synthetic genomics industry, academia, Do-It-Yourself Biology [DIYbio] leaders, and scientists) and the government partners including the FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinators, regarding the potential misuse of synthetic biology and related applications.
- Identify the needs of the various sectors represented at the conference and their roles and responsibilities to promote safe and secure practices in order to deter the illicit use of biological technologies.
- Familiarize these sectors to U.S. Government priorities related to synthetic biology and review the history of the development of U.S. guidance.