Team:USTC/Project/publicize

An overview of the compus talk

Since the birth of the igem team in the University of Science and Technology of China, which participated in the 2007 igem competition, synthetic biology gradually gained recognition in our school. When our fellow schoolmates were conversant of the fresh upcoming event, they were burning with curiosity. Instead of feeling the apprehension over unknown risky possibilities, schoolmates of our age (16~22) focused on the enjoyment and excitement of the unknown and felt no form of hesitation to do it. However, admittedly, technology is a double-edged sword. If not left under responsible hands, the results can be catastrophic.On the other hand, ignorance can also lead in needless anxiety over new things.As students are the hope of our future,it is a pressing issue to convey a thorough understanding of synthesis biology to them. So this year, we, igemers at USTC have decided to organize a campus-wide talk to extend awareness on synthetic biology as well as to instill a scientific and responsible attitude towards it, in our fellow schoolmates.

Part I---What We have Done with Synthetic Biology

In the first part of our talk, we introduced our guests to the world of synthetic biology and informed them the result that we had explored in this area. For the introduction part, we gave a brief description of what synthetic biology is about. Then we presented some of our iGEM previous gold-winning projects, and hopefully by doing so, we can give a good impression to the viewers. Apart from that, we also showed to the guests on some pictures of our lab and what ustc igem team had achieved since we joined this program in 2007. Before the end of the first part, we tried to explain and emphasize on the responsibility that we should take when doing the scientific research, hoping to instill into our guests the scientific and responsible attitude towards synthetic biology.

Part II Synthetic Biology�= Biology + Creation�

Part III Bioethics

In the meting, we also introduce basic concept and prevailing view points in the field of bioethics. This section involves why we should consider the issue of bioethics, what the intrinsic bioethical problem is and what the benefits and possible risks of synthesis biology are. The information conveyed to the audience mostly come from the Presidential Commission for the study of bioethics issues. As to the possible risk, we introduce the main principle of risk classification, biosafety issues and the risk of dual use. Besides, we also explain the reason why we should allow the development of synthesis biology, the principle of institutional design and the dynamic process of development and regulation.

Below are the pictures taken during our talks.