Name: Synthetic Biology at the Intersection of Science, Ethics, and Policy
Start: 1789740000
End: 1789768800
Location: James A. Baker III Hall

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field combining biological and engineering to designing and redesigning genes, biological pathways, or organisms to solve society's major problems and understand biological principles. Rapid advancements in synthetic biology are reshaping how we approach challenges in health, the environment, and beyond. However, these breakthroughs raise questions about what should be permitted and how new technologies should be regulated. To that end, the global conversation on biotechnology must account for responsible frameworks that guide future scientific innovation.

The symposium convenes a diverse community of scholars and practitioners in academia, industry, nonprofits and government for a deep dive into the intersection of emerging biotechnologies, public policy, and ethical responsibility.

The program is organized around two themes based on synthetic biology products: environmental and therapeutic applications of synthetic biology. The event will feature internationally recognized leaders in synthetic biology research and development, health communication, and ethics and public policy. Through thoughtful dialogue, this symposium will address both the promise of scientific advancement and the challenges of misinformation, regulation, and public trust.

This event is hosted by the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program in partnership with Rice Synthetic Biology Institute. The event and associated research is supported by grants from Rice’s Creative Venture Fund, the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (#2223678).

Follow @BakerInstitute on X to join the conversation online with #BakerLive.

Registration

This event is free, but registration is required. Click below to attend in person.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION

Baker Institute events are powered by the generous contributions of our supporters. Learn how you can make a donation or become a member of the Baker Roundtable. Learn more about events and activities of the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program by subscribing to their monthly email newsletter, SciTech Notes.

Agenda

8:30 am	Check-in and Breakfast
9:00 am	Welcome Remarks Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D., Senior Fellow and Director in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute; Lecturer in Bioscience, Rice University
9:10 am	Plenary 1: Environmental Introduction Michelle O'Malley, Ph.D. Cliff R. Scholle Chair of Chemical Engineering and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, UC Santa Barbara
9:50 am	Coffee Break
10:00 am	Panel 1: Environmental Applications Victor de Lorenzo, Ph.D. Professor of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-CSIC Carrie Eckert, Ph.D. Synthetic Biology Group Lead and Senior Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Ross Thyer, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University Jason Delborne, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
11:10 am	Moderated Q&A Session with Plenary and Panel Speakers
Noon	Lunch and Plenary Speaker Introduction by: Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D., Senior Fellow and Director in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute; Lecturer in Bioscience, Rice University Lunch and Plenary Speaker Timothy Caulfield Professor of Law and Research Director, University of Alberta
1:40 pm	Break
2:00 pm	Keynote Speaker David Baker, Ph.D. Nobel Prize Laureate Head of the Institute for Protein Design and Henrietta and Aubrey Davis Endowed Professor in Biochemistry, University of Washington
2:35 pm	Plenary 2: Therapeutic Introduction Patrick Cai, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Synthetic Genomics, University of Manchester
3:15 pm	Panel: Therapeutic Applications Ron Weiss, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Jim Martin, M.D., Ph.D. Vice Chairman/Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine Caleb Bashor, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and BioSciences, Rice University Rosario Isasi, J.D., M.P.H. Associate Professor of Human Genetics, Adjunct Professor of Law, Director of the Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, University of Miami
4:25 pm	Moderated Q&A Session with Plenary and Panel Speakers
5:15 pm	Closing Remarks Rafael Verduzco, Ph.D. Baker Institute Rice Faculty Scholar; Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Sciences and Nanoengineering, Rice University
5:20 pm	Reception