Oct 18

Oct 18 Responsibility Conference 2.0: Having the conversations that can’t happen anywhere else

by Alonso Flores, Yorgo El Moubayed, Lucas Boldrini and Yuhan Bao

The 2-day conference, held on November 2 and 3, will feature five sessions with a mixture of talks, panels, and interactive small-group work.

At iGEM, people can freely think about the future, and most importantly, how they want to get there. We invite you to join us at the second edition of the Responsibility Conference at the 2023 iGEM Grand Jamboree. The conference offers a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement to deliberate ongoing initiatives and emerging concerns in the realms of biorisk, biosecurity, and biosafety.

Conference Sessions

November 2-3 | Workshop Room 1

The 2-day conference, held on November 2 and 3, will feature five sessions with a mixture of talks, panels, and interactive small-group work:

1. Revolutionizing iGEM with the Power of AI and SynBio

Together with OECD, we will delve into the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Synthetic Biology (SynBio), emphasizing iGEM's potential role in this convergence. We aim to raise awareness, foster collaboration, identify challenges, and discuss potential applications, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks.

2. Policy & Governance for Navigating Emerging Technologies

Together with OECD, we will review experiences of policy & governance for navigating emerging technologies, and also discussion for the present emerging technologies. It also intends to better understand and reflect the experiences of iGEM Responsibility Program in promoting responsible innovation.

3. Bioeconomies with a Conscience: Nurturing Responsible Development

In this session we will delve into the multifaceted dimensions of a future with developed bioeconomies, exploring the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges inherent in commercializing and scaling science and technology (S&T) to meet both national security and economic development priorities. The emergence of developed bioeconomies presents an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize industries, drive economic growth, and address pressing global challenges. However, this transformation requires careful attention to responsibilities and ethical considerations.

4. How to undertake Responsible Field Evaluations: Engagement & Ethics Perspectives for Gene Drives

Together with the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research (ONGDR), we will explore lessons learned in gene drive research and engagement through specific cases of responsible stakeholder engagement for global health and conservation projects, with a particular focus on field evaluations. The interactive session will enable participants to explore the challenges and best-practices involving gene drive research while learning more about its potential benefits, risks, and the ethical questions surrounding its development.

5. Dual-Use in Practice: Insights and Forward Views

In this session, we will explore the perspectives of different stakeholders and their experiences in implementing the identification and mitigation of Dual-Use risks as well as discuss the role that iGEM plays in their identification and mitigation. By exploring its evolving role, we seek to enhance iGEM's preparedness to address these challenges effectively.

Village Presentations

November 4 | Village Plazas

Following the Responsibility Conference on November 4, be sure to check out the 2023 Village Presentations focusing on related topics, including:

Crossroads of Biosecurity: A Multinational Perspective
10:30 - 11:00 in Village Plaza 4
Speakers:
- Tom Whitting, Investment and Engagement Lead, UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Susan Cropp, Chemical Biological Countermeasures Unit & WMDD, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Joshua Kurjan, Regional Program Manager, US Department of State
- Kathryn Millett, Director, Biosecure

The DNA Frontier: Implications & Applications of Screening and Synthesis
14:00 - 14:45 in Village Plaza 4
Featuring panelists from DNA Script, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Youth Voices in Global Security: A Dialogue on Biosafety, Biosecurity, Disarmament, & Policy
16:00 - 16:30 in Village Plaza 5
Featuring speakers from Youth4Biosecurity, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, and iGEM Delegates Program Alumni.
Human Practices: Exploration & Application
15:15 - 15:30 in Village Plaza 7
Featuring the iGEM Human Practices Committee

The 2023 Responsibility Conference and Village Presentations are open to all Jamboree participants. We look forward to seeing you soon in Paris at the iGEM Grand Jamboree, where you will have an opportunity to engage in conversations that can’t happen anywhere else!

Don’t have a Jamboree ticket yet? Buy a ticket here.

Note: Jamboree participants are invited to join any of the Responsibility Conference sessions, but are asked to enter discreetly if a session is already in progress.