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EASAC 

Realising European potential in synthetic biology | December 2010 |    v



Foreword

Synthetic biology covers the design and construction 

of novel biological components, systems and 

processes – that are not already known to exist in 

nature – together with the re-design of existing 

biological systems. Synthetic biology is interdisciplinary, 

drawing on precepts and practices from a wide range of 

methodologies and disciplines, including the techniques 

of genetic engineering.

Although it can be sometimes diffi cult to demarcate 

synthetic biology from other established research areas

many within the scientifi c community believe that, by 

applying the principles of engineering and chemical 

design to biological systems, synthetic biology will lead 

to new applications of considerable societal value. 

Among the potential products and services are new 

systems for energy, materials and chemicals production; 

medical diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines; and 

innovative approaches to the clean up of hazardous 

waste. Synthetic biology is important for Europe. There is 

signifi cant potential for the European Union (EU) to invest 

in synthetic biology research and to capitalise on the 

emergent innovations.

This EASAC report was prepared by consultation with 

a Working Group of experts, acting in an independent 

capacity, nominated from across the EU. It also takes 

account of previous work by individual member 

academies. Our report discusses the distinguishing 

features of synthetic biology, describes a wide range of 

research approaches contributing to the current state of 

knowledge and explores potential applications in tackling 

societal priorities and supporting economic growth. 

We recognise, however, that in some respects this is 

becoming a controversial area and, in addressing the 

main concerns expressed about synthetic biology, we also 

assess the options for engaging in public dialogue and 

strengthening research governance and the regulatory 

environment in order to support sustainable development 

of the fi eld. We emphasise the importance of making 

best use of all EU academic strengths—in the humanities 

and social sciences as well as the natural sciences and 

engineering.

In the time elapsed since the EASAC Working Group 

completed its task, a major research advance has 

been published

1

. This represents the fi rst successful 



transplantation of a synthesised genome into a recipient 

cell: the synthesis of a slightly modifi ed genome of the 

bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides, its placement into 

the related species Mycoplasma capricolum and the 

demonstration of the replication of cells exhibiting the 

characteristics of M. mycoides. This important technical 

landmark represents a signifi cant proof-of-concept 

in synthetic biology although it did not create a truly 

synthetic life form because the synthetic genome was 

inserted into an existing cell. The research provoked 

media accounts that reiterated previously expressed 

concerns about the creation of new forms of life, for 

example novel viruses as bioweapons. However, it is vital 

to ensure that the expression of these concerns does 

not inappropriately constrain the responsible conduct of 

science. One pervasive problem during the short history 

of synthetic biology has been the hyperbole expressed by 

some media and other commentators, but also by some 

within the scientifi c community. Our report observes 

that many concerns that are raised are not unique to 

synthetic biology, and that the scientifi c and regulatory 

frameworks that govern safe and accountable research 

and development are already in place, or can readily be 

adapted to cope with the scientifi c advances foreseen. 

Our recommendations identify tangible actions, building 

on what has already been achieved at both EU and 

Member State levels.

The EASAC report also discusses the early initiatives in 

public dialogue on synthetic biology—and recommends 

that these be augmented. In this regard, we welcome 

a recent survey of public attitudes by the UK research 

funding councils

2

. This survey showed that there is 



public support for synthetic biology research and its 

applications, subject to conditions on how and why it is 

conducted. EASAC endorses the emphasis on continued 

public dialogue to ensure that endeavours in synthetic 

biology refl ect wide public interests and aspirations. That 

is why, for the fi rst time, the EASAC recommendations 

for professional policy-makers in this report will be 

accompanied by a shorter communication for the lay 

public.

In his inaugural address, the new President of the German 



Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

3

, Jörg Hacker, in 



commenting on the potential of synthetic biology quoted 

Voltaire ‘Any schoolboy can kill a fl ea, yet all the members 



of all the academies in the world cannot fabricate a fl ea

Nor can synthetic biology, so far in the 21st century. 

However, we are rapidly increasing our understanding 

of biology and the practicalities for engineering novel 

biological systems. And the academies have a continuing 

responsibility to interpret and communicate the 

 

Gibson, DG, Glass, JI, Lartique, C, et al. (2010). Creation of a bacterial cell controlled by a chemically synthesized genome. 



Science, published online 20 May 2010, doi:10.1126/science.1190719.

2  


BBSRC, June 2010 ‘New report reveals public’s views on synthetic biology’, www.bbsrc.ac.uk/media/releases/2010/100614-

synthetic-biology-report.aspx.

Hacker, J (2010). Nova Acta Leopoldina NF 112, no. 385.




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