IET Synthetic Biology Journal

Synthetic Biology is a new interdisciplinary endeavour which involves the recruitment of engineering principles to biology. Simple biological elements can be adopted as reusable, components, which are well characterised and can be used for the construction of more complex devices and systems. The approach allows the biological application of engineering concepts such as modularity, abstraction and insulation from underlying detail. The reuse of modular components also facilitates software modelling, and work in the field is promoting parallel developments in computer software. New students and workers are coming into the field from very diverse areas, and need to come to grips with the nitty-gritty of unfamiliar biological systems, engineering tools and computer sciences. There is a demand for specialised coverage of this new field, including educational and review materials. IET Synthetic Biology will aim to support this growing new community.

The journal will publish conventional research papers in synthetic biology. It will also provide a "nuts and bolts" view of this new field, and will provide review and educational materials. In particular, we wish to support the activities of young workers entering the synthetic biology field.