Synthetic biology landscape and community in Germany

Area of Science:

• Synthetic Biology
• Biotechnology
• Research Policy

Background:

• Synthetic biology, originating in the early 2000s, is perceived as a nascent field globally.
• While established in the US, synthetic biology is an emerging research area in Germany and Europe.
• Key challenges include funding, commercial translation, public perception, and regulatory frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of synthetic biology in Germany and Europe.
• To outline the strategies employed by the German Association for Synthetic Biology (GASB) to overcome identified challenges.
• To advocate for synthetic biology's establishment as a pivotal 21st-century scientific discipline.

Main Methods:

• Perspective article format.
• Review of the German and European synthetic biology landscape.
• Analysis of the German Association for Synthetic Biology's (GASB) community-building and event activities.

Main Results:

• Synthetic biology faces significant hurdles in Germany and Europe.
• GASB is actively working on community engagement and addressing systemic challenges.
• The discipline requires concerted efforts to achieve widespread academic and industrial establishment.

Conclusions:

• Establishing synthetic biology as a key 21st-century discipline requires addressing funding, commercialization, public perception, and regulatory issues.
• The German Association for Synthetic Biology (GASB) plays a crucial role in navigating these challenges within the German and European contexts.
• Proactive community building and strategic initiatives are essential for the growth and integration of synthetic biology.