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From 2010.igem.org

Workshop on Synthic Biology

To give the general public the a glimmer of our iGEM experience and we developed a workshop where they can feel like a real scientist and go into battle with oil pollution at sea by making their own BioBrick. To give our self developed workshop we visited the [http://www.wtacademie.nl/ Science Day for Teachers] and at the [http://www.delft.nl/content.jsp?objectid=51425 Science Day for Kids]. The goal is to inspire and fascinate teachers and in science interested people for the challenging opportunities that science and technology can offer.

What do we do at the workshop?

This workshop consisted out of two parts. In the first part, every participant will feel like a real scientist. They get the opportinuty to join our team and built their own BioBrick for oil degredation. But before we let them tinker with DNA pars, we give a short introduction into the building blocks of life. Then they have to roll up their sleeves! Participants are provided with a Parts Registry and a modular of parts in the form of cards. In this way, they were challenged to think about how the various parts have to be combined.

But how promising is Synthetic Biology?

The second part of the workshop is all about discussion. It is the opinion of the audience that counts! The following propositions are put forward:

• Is synthetic biology nog just an hype?

Synthetic biology is more a 'hype' than reality and too unclear to already talk about it

• Synthetic biology is too beautiful to ignore?

I would be wrong if we ignored the promissing opportunaties of synthetic organism

• Selfregulation by synthetic biologists is enough?

Rather selfregulation and code of conduct than regulation by the government

• Who decides about the applications of synthetic biology?

Don't let only commercial interests, but also the society, decide about the application of synthetic biology.

• Act like god?

Who tries to take billions years of evolution of life into their own hands is acting like god

• How far can we go with engineering new life?

By engineering new life forms we exceed a moral boundary

Synthetic biology is too good to ignore, or its just a hype? with propositions do you agree with. Different opion will lead to interesting discussions.

A firm discussion on the regulation of synthetic biology was born. According to most, the application of this science should not only be in the hands of commerce. On the other hand, it was suggested that is not a good idea to only let the society decide on its fate. Fear of the unknown is a major challenge for many people. By being afraid of what may or may not happen, people may eliminate new science.