The Synthetic Biology Project at the Woodrow Wilson Center is launching a new web-based Synthetic Biology Scorecard, designed to track federal and non-federal efforts to improve the governance of synthetic biology research and development so risks are minimized and broad social and economic benefits can be realized. The Scorecard, unveiled today, monitors the progress made toward implementing the recommendations in New Directions: The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies, a December 2010 report from the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues. The report contains 18 recommendations covering a range of topics from risk assessment to ethics education and public engagement. More than a year has passed since the release of the Commission’s report. What progress has been made? The Scorecard seeks to answer that question: In addition to tracking the progress of various federal and non-federal initiatives, the website encourages broad participation in achieving the goals set forth by the Commission and invites public comment on the recommendations and implementation efforts.

“The Commission’s report was a landmark document and lays out a framework with broad applicability to many emerging technologies, but, like many reports of this type, no mechanisms were put in place to track progress,” David Rejeski, director of the Synthetic Biology Project, said. “Our goal is ensure that this report -- and others like it – can drive change.”

Following the launch of the Scorecard, the Synthetic Biology Project will update the website to reflect new initiatives and publish a bi-annual summary of federal and non-federal activities that fulfill the recommendations. Additions to the Scorecard are welcome and encouraged.

The Synthetic Biology Scorecard can be found here: http://www.synbioproject.org/scorecard/

Singularity University is partnering with Triple Ring Technologies to mentor and develop select synthetic biology teams between May and August 2012. They are looking for promising biotechnology entrepreneurs who we can help to incorporate and develop products and services that can be made and tested in a short amount of time (three months), and with little capital (on average less than $50k).

Needs more assembly than breakthrough invention (development, not research); Can be advanced to a working demo in 3 months (seeing is believing); Is understandable to general audiences (non-experts); Has identifiable customers and markets; Has few or no regulatory barriers; Catches people’s attention, usually in a positive way; High profit and growth potential. We will provide: Access to a professional biology lab; DIYbio and maker facilities; Summer Funding (May through August); Incorporation; Business mentorship; Technical mentorship; Insights into exponential technologies; A community of other entrepreneurs like you; Support and inspiration.

What They’re looking for: Emerging, passionate bio-entrepreneurs who are ready to work hard and have fun. Completion of a short application that tells us who you are, explains your big idea, and outlines what you need to be successful. If your idea and team are promising, one or more interviews as a next step in the process. If accepted, a detailed summary that will help you hit the ground running. Relocation to the SF Bay Area to develop your idea and company between May and August 2012. More details: http://singularityu.org/launchpad/

These prestigious studentships are offered to up to seven students each year.

The total amount of the award is £4,000. This is broken down into £1000 payable to the student on commencement of the studentship after a successful interview. If the student opts to work in a lab over summer then £1500 is payable to the student in June/July with £500 going towards lab costs. The final £1000 is payable to the student upon satisfactory reports (or presentation of poster at the Network Meeting) in the December.

The scheme is designed to be flexible. A student can propose to:
- work in a research laboratory over the summer vacation (not in a lab run by their mentor or at their place of study) to gain valuable experience. Research projects can be in any area of plant science.
- provide an opportunity to travel to, and attendance at, plant-related conferences
- purchase books or subscriptions to journals/scientific magazines
- fund the cost of field work.

Successful students are eligible to compete for a Sainsbury PhD Studentship starting in October 2013 and will be invited to attend the 2012 Gatsby Plant Science Network meeting and the 2013 Gatsby training weekend.

Please supply a covering letter (including why you are interested in plant science, what you intend to do with the funding and what you ultimately hope to achieve) and your cv, to Julian Hibberd at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 15th February 2012.

Adam Rutherford meets the Cambridge iGEM2011 team, and Cat McMurran describes the use of squid reflectins as a biological source of iridescence. The iGEM team built reflectin biobricks for expression of the protein and production of iridescent films that response dynamically to changes in hydration. A video clip of the interview can be found here at the BBC website. The full programme is broadcast on Feb 17th at 9:30pm on BBC2, or can be played back on the BBC iPlayer. More information about the iGEM competition at the University of Cambridge can be found at: http://www.synbio.org.uk/cambridge/cambridge-igem-teams.html

The UK government announced the intention to establish Synthetic Biology as a major initiative in the UK.  

"Synthetic biology has been driven by developments in next generation sequencing, DNA synthesis, and systems engineering. It is a potential platform technology with possible applications including bio-energy, industrial biotechnology and chemicals. I have asked leading researchers and business experts in a group chaired by Dr Lionel Clarke of Shell to produce a synthetic biology roadmap to set out the timeframe and actions to establish a world leading synthetic biology industry in the UK. They should report in the Spring after which we intend to convene a new Synthetic Biology Leadership Council to look at how we can deliver that road map."

See full text of David Willet's speech (Cabinet Minister responsible for Universities and Science in the UK, Policy Exchange, London, Jan 2012)

Two forward-looking reports that address the future of research and development in the UK have been released: Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth, and Strategy for the Life Sciences

"...four technology areas have been prioritised for investment. This will offer UK businesses the opportunity to develop the industries of the future. The Technology Strategy Board will focus on synthetic biology, energy efficient computing and energy harvesting."

"Synthetic Biology: is the design and engineering of novel biologically-based parts, devices and systems, or the redesign of existing biological systems for useful purposes. Estimates put the world market at around $100 billion by 2020. The UK produced 14% of all global research papers between 2005 and 2010. The potential applications include bacteria that feed on pollutants, new biofuels, drought and disease resistant crops. The UK has leading companies in these sectors."