Project status:		Current
Project period:		01/2008 to 12/2009
Project type:		Biotechnology

 

Description

Synthetic biology is developing as a subject area at the intersection of molecular biology, organic chemistry, engineering sciences, nanobiotechnology and computer science. Specialists in these disciplines work together to generate biological systems that do not occur naturally. The topics of synthetic biology are many and include aspects such as DNA construction, complete genome synthesis, genome transplantation, synthetic regulatory networks and genome minimisation. In addition, it involves activities such as the creation of biohybrid systems that attempt to create "life-like" processes and systems.

In cooperation with the German Research Society and the Leopoldina, acatech has developed a position and recommendations regarding how Germany can best profit from the potential of synthetic biology, and how the legal and social framework conditions that will contribute to the success or failure of this new technology should be designed.

Matters relating to the technical implementation and ethical-legal aspects were discussed at conferences organised by acatech together with the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences and the Dechema.

 

Project group