Global Synthetic Biology Landscape: Insights and Perspectives from Regional SynBio Communities
by Cibele Zolnier, Leandros Tsiotos and Soumodeep Sarkar, on behalf of the SynBio Alliance
The field of synthetic biology is still regarded as being an early-stage field in much of the world, despite having begun in the early 2000s. To make synthetic biology a major field of study in the twenty-first century, it is necessary to engage the general society in the scientific conversation, and together overcome problems with financing models, commercial translation of technologies, public perception, and laws.
Last year, Biotechnology Notes launched a special issue for global synthetic biology landscape articles and viewpoints highlighting the steps being undertaken to introduce and establish communities around synthetic biology, as well as programmes that make synthetic biology more inclusive, equitable, and accessible.
The Guest Editor, Dr Konstantinos Vavitsas (National University of Singapore) shared some of his comments:
“In this issue, we aim to collect the history, challenges and achievements of synthetic biology communities around the world. Synbio started with an ethos of inclusivity and community engagement; this is a value that we want to showcase and promote even more.”
The majority of the published papers were submitted by members of Synthetic Biology Associations, bringing important insights into the role of these organizations and how they can contribute to cultivating regional synbio ecosystems. As also shared by Dr Kostas Vavitsas, while global communities, events, and other initiatives bring people together from around the world, regional Associations know better the specific challenges, opportunities, and achievements each country or region has. These organizations are vital for spreading scientific advancements, bringing like-minded individuals together, and fostering community growth.
Synthetic biology landscape and community in Germany by German Association for Synthetic Biology (GASB)
Synthetic biology in Europe: current community landscape and future perspectives by the European Synthetic Biology Society (EUSynBioS)
Synthetic biology landscape in the UK by SynBioUK
SynBio Africa's story from the grassroots, the present, and the future by SynBio Africa
Synthetic biology in Indonesia: Potential and projection in a country with mega biodiversity by SynBio ID
In the articles, iGEM is highlighted as an essential part to the early development of synthetic biology, and it’s also the starting point of some regional Associations. The Competition is where many students, academics, and sometimes industry-level professionals learn about synthetic biology. It’s one of the major ways that the field reached different countries and gathered momentum around the world, boosting community-building and scientific development.
The papers have exclusive sections sharing about iGEM teams achievements. In Europe, iGEM participation started in 2005, with two teams: one from the United Kingdom and another from Switzerland. The following year, we had the first team from Germany, and in 2007, two universities from the Netherlands joined the Competition. Three years later, we had the first team from the African continent joining iGEM, from South Africa; and in 2012, students from Indonesia first participated in the Competition.
Beyond the work from SynBio Associations, there are papers from Slovakia, Czech Republic and Thailand, also showcasing promising perspectives for the synthetic biology landscape in different parts of the world. Yet, it’s noticeable the outstanding majority of publications from Europe. The field is also rapidly growing in other countries such as the United States. Example of that is the published Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy; recently complemented with a White House announcement of New Bold Goals and Priorities to Advance American Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing. In stark contrast, the lack of more articles from other regions brings to light that the field still has much to grow, especially in developing countries.
To achieve a more diverse representation of the synbio landscape, we see the need for international collaboration and knowledge sharing. Engaging regional leaders, representing SynBio Associations, to develop best practices for our international community; and understanding the current local challenges and what we can collectively do to overcome them. Above all, it’s important to enhance strong collaborations between the Associations, promoting an inclusive model, ready to embrace the future of SynBio, together.
These are the exact goals of the Global Alliance of SynBio Associations (SynBio Alliance) by the iGEM Community. We started in 2020 with the mission to connect associations and synbio-related organizations and recognize their contributions to the advancement of synthetic biology. In the next few weeks, we invite you to follow our special blog series, to learn more about our goals and activities, and discover the SynBio organizations that are part of our Alliance.
This blog is a part of our 20 years of iGEM series. During these 20 years, the iGEM Competition has enabled the development of synthetic biology communities around the world. These communities are developed by passionate studens who once participated in the competition and later on used their knowledge and experience to continue to build and empower their local communities.
Learn more about iGEM Community here.
