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Dalton R. George et al., “Exploring Public Engagement Possibilities for Synthetic Biology: An Overview for Research Scientists,” Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, June 12, 2025, https://doi.org/10.25613/1WNQ-4G68.
Synthetic biology (SynBio) is a dynamic multidisciplinary field with strands of research and development occurring in different socio-cultural contexts within the United States and across the globe. Scientists, developers, and policymakers generally support the notion of public and stakeholder engagement (PSE) to create spaces for public audiences to learn, discuss, and contribute their voices and perspectives to the development of emerging biotechnologies. However, pathways to realizing effective PSE within the development arc of SynBio tools and technologies are few and far between. This paper provides a background for researchers and developers to understand the importance of PSE and provides overviews and examples of different methods for effective PSE activities. While this is not an exhaustive how-to document, this paper can be used to think through why and how one might integrate PSE activities into new or ongoing research projects.
View the full paper (PDF).
Funding for this project was provided by grants from Rice University’s Synthetic Biology Institute (Matthews and Beth Beason Abmayr), the Rita Allen Foundation Civic Science Fellow Award (Matthews and Johnson), and the National Science Foundation (#2223678).
To access other papers in this three-part series, see “Ethical Challenges and Concerns in Synthetic Biology” and “The Regulatory Landscape for Synthetic Biology.” For additional information and related projects, visit the Synthetic Biology website.
This publication was produced on behalf of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. It has not undergone editorial or peer review. Any errors are the responsibility of the author(s) alone.
This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the author(s) and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The views expressed herein are those of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
