About

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field of biology and engineering that manipulates DNA for the purpose of designing and redesigning systems such as genes, biological pathways, or organisms. 

Scientists and engineers are using synthetic biology tools to create new medical therapies, identify disease outbreaks, breakdown chemicals, and develop more sustainable fertilizers. Experts at the Baker Institute focus on understanding the ethical, regulatory, and social implications of synthetic biology and their products. 

This project is in collaboration with the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute.

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Resources

Our Latest Publications

Recent Baker Institute research on synthetic biology and emerging biotechnologies.

 

April 8, 2025 | Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Alicia L. Johnson, Dalton R. George, Lauren B. Stadler, James Chappell, Jonathan Silberg, Caroline A. Masiello
A Roadmap to Understanding and Anticipating Microbial Gene Transfer in Soil Communities
April 1, 2025 | Alicia L. Johnson, Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Yousif Shamoo, David M. Satterfield
How Risky Is Gain-of-Function Research, Really?
January 14, 2025 | Alicia L. Johnson, Caroline Snider, Kirstin R.W. Matthews
What is Genetic Engineering?
October 25, 2024 | Alicia L. Johnson, Joff Silberg, Kirstin R.W. Matthews
Gain-of-Function Research Is Vital to US Innovation
September 27, 2024 | Douglas Natelson, Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Kenneth M. Evans, Neal F. Lane
Put the Science (and Education) Back in CHIPS and Science
December 15, 2023 | Alicia L. Johnson, Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Caroline Snider
What Is Synthetic Biology?
December 14, 2023 | Alicia L. Johnson
The Benefits and Risks of Monitoring Airport Wastewater
November 1, 2023 | Alicia L. Johnson, Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Caroline Snider
Using Engineered Bacteria to Detect Viruses in Wastewater

Experts

Faculty Scholars

Nonresident Faculty & Scholars

Featured Events

SynBio-Crop
September 18, 2026
Science and Technology Policy

Synthetic Biology at the Intersection of Science, Ethics, and Policy

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SynBio_Gen1
Jan. 20 - April 21, 2026
Science and Technology Policy | Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology EMER Webinar Series

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Healthcare Costs
September 5, 2025
Science and Technology Policy

Science at Risk: Funding the Future of Medical Innovation

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Stay Connected

Stay Connected

Questions? Email Kaylee Waldrip at [email protected].