Team:Virginia/Human Practices Overview

As synthetic biologists engineering intricate systems, we often forget to consider the larger bioethical implications of our work. Meanwhile, the public focuses on these implications rather than the science, leading to widespread concern. As has been shown by the recent controversy surrounding GMO-based products, even the most beneficial research cannot be implemented without public approval; additionally, such research might not even be conducted in the first place should it lose funding from taxpayer dollars through the NIH.

Given these considerations, we were alarmed to learn that only 18% of Americans believe that the benefits of synthetic biology outweigh the risks (Awareness & Impressions of Synthetic Biology, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars). To combat this problem, we developed a dual-focus, comprehensive educational program targeting both students and adults. Educating high school students through a standardized curriculum and informing adults through a brief documentary, we hope to increase both public knowledge and acceptance of synthetic biology. Additionally, multiple features of the team in the media have broadcasted iGEM and synthetic biology to the public at large.

For most detailed information regarding our human practices efforts, please see the links to the following under our human practices menu:

Public Perception – In a short documentary, we interviewed three experts in biology, medicine and bioethics and explored topics in biosafety, ownership in synthetic biology, and the potential impacts of our minicell research. Also available on this page is the 2013 Basic Safety Form, which we consulted with the UVa Environmental Health & Safety Department to successfully complete.

Relevance – In this section, we critically evaluated the advantages conferred by minicells over liposomes. By extensively consulting the available literature and through our own research, we found that minicells offer a significant advantage over liposomes through increased stability, increased half-life, and a reduced leakage of cytosolic elements. We believe this has significant human practices applications as minicells will offer a more accessible and safer alternative to liposomal applications.

Outreach – This fall, we partnered with Renaissance High School in Charlottesville, VA to offer a comprehensive 6-workshop curriculum to students. Our goal was to develop a workshop series that may be implemented by any iGEM team in order to foster the development of high school iGEM teams. Links to all materials used for the workshop, including a syllabus, instructor notes, PowerPoints, interactive activities and recommended readings are available on this page. Additionally, we put together a syllabus for a college level Intro to Synthetic Biology course.