Call for outline proposals now CLOSED

Following agreement with 18 Funding Organisations in 14 countries a Call for outline proposals for the EuroSYNBIO Programme was open. The submission deadline was 6 March 2009, at 12:00 CET.

Background and Objectives

Synthetic biology is the rational (re-)design of biological systems with useful properties. It is a highly interdisciplinary endeavour (Figure 1) and can be viewed from two angles: First, the engineering perspective, which entertains the hope of transforming biotechnology into a true engineering discipline with the corresponding reliabilities and accuracies in design.

Second, the synthetic focus provides a unique tool for confirming or challenging our current understanding of molecular events and system function, because only if we can reliably rebuild cellular properties can we claim intellectual mastership (“What I cannot build, I cannot understand”, R. Feynman).

Both these aspects of synthetic biology, transforming bioengineering and advancing understanding through synthesis, need to undergo a fundamental transition to be able to tackle systems-level questions. This transformation will happen on two fronts: First, there is the need to transform existing and develop novel computational tools that allow taking our current computational procedures from the analysis of single items to the systems level. Second, it is necessary to support the computational change-of-scope with the same change in our workflows towards the “biosystems design laboratory”.

The final element in this transition is the societal context, as synthetic biology needs to be aware of and effectively manage its societal impact. Therefore, the societal context will be integrated in its various forms from an early stage of the scientific and engineering endeavour, bearing in mind that it might be a vital element in successfully guiding the future development of synthetic biology.

 The first achievements in synthetic biology include the design and implementation of synthetic genetic circuits, the design of novel biochemical pathways for the production of valuable pharmaceuticals, and the de novo synthesis of bacterial genomes. The ultimate ambition of the field is to extend the mastery of biological engineering to systems complex enough to deal with grand challenges such as the design, synthesis and delivery of novel therapeutic treatments, affordable and precise diagnosis of diseases, novel routes to vaccines, production of liquid transportation fuels, bioremediation of pollutants, biocompatible carbon sequestration, and efficient manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals and biochemicals.

ESF Contact

Mr.PaulBeckersE-Mail

Science Officer & EUROCORES Coordinator