Meeting Minutes
Meeting Name: Survey on Ethical Perception and Risk Awareness of Synthetic Biology among Chinese Researchers
Meeting Date: July 27, 2024
Meeting Time: 9:00-11:00
Meeting Location: [Online Interview]
Hosts: [Lu Qian Neng, Zeng Xi Yue]
Participants:
[Lu Qian Neng], [Ph.D. Student at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China]
[Zeng Xi Yue], [Undergraduate Student at Hubei University], [iGEM, HP Team Leader]
[Chen De Jiang], [Undergraduate Student at Hubei University], [iGEM, HP Team member]
[Dai Anna], [Undergraduate Student at Hubei University], [iGEM, HP Team member]
[Shi Zi Yan], [Undergraduate Student at Hubei University], [iGEM, HP Team member]
[Zhou Nie Xin], [Undergraduate Student at Hubei University], [iGEM, HP Team member]
[Fan Yu], [Undergraduate Student at Hubei University], [iGEM, Experimental Team member]
Main Topics of the Meeting
1.Research focus in the field of synthetic biology.
2.Perspectives on synthetic biology.
3.Whether ethical review and compliance with the "Science and Technology Ethics Review Regulations (Trial)" officially promulgated by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2023 are necessary for synthetic biology research.
4.What are the primary ethical considerations in synthetic biology research? (e.g., bioweapons, synthetic life, impact on human health, environmental consequences, risk uncertainties, etc.)
5.What measures have been implemented or planned to mitigate and minimize potential risks associated with experiments in synthetic biology?
6.Is there adequate education on ethics and risk awareness related to synthetic biology technology within the scientific community? Should researchers receive training specifically focused on ethics and risk management in synthetic biology? If such training is available, would you be willing to participate?
7.What additional steps should be taken to ensure that ethical principles guide responsible development of synthetic biology research?
8.Which regulatory approach for governing synthetic biology is more effective: self-regulation by the scientific community, top-down regulation by governmental bodies, public oversight, or bottom-up regulation involving stakeholders?
9.How do you perceive advancements in technologies associated with synthetic biology?
10.Is synbiotic therapy widely recognized and accepted by the general public?
11.What is your perspective regarding current public opinion surrounding products derived from synthetic biology?
Summary of Meeting Content
Topic 1: Research focus in the field of synthetic biology
The meeting content can be summarized as follows: Topic 1 focused on research in the field of synthetic biology, specifically on synbiotic therapy that combines prebiotics and probiotics to stabilize and support the gut microbiota for health benefits to the host. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that promote growth and metabolic product production by probiotics, while probiotics are beneficial live bacteria that improve the balance of the gut microbiota.
Several studies have provided evidence supporting the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of synbiotics, considering them as safe and effective alternative or combination therapies for various diseases. In particular, synbiotics are being investigated for their potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by restoring a balanced relationship between intestinal mucosal microbiota and host defense mechanisms to prevent occurrence and persistence of intestinal inflammation.
Additionally, synbiotics play an important role in improving gastrointestinal microecological function. Studies have demonstrated their ability to increase gut bacteria count appropriately, enhance short-chain fatty acid levels in feces, promote competitive advantage of beneficial bacteria, and inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria; thus acting as a proliferation factor for beneficial bacteria.
Topic 2: Views on synthetic biology
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that combines theories and methods from biology, engineering, computer science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Its aim is to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems.
From a scientific perspective, synthetic biology has advanced the understanding of the design principles of living systems and fostered innovation in biotechnology by achieving specific biological functions through synthetic genetic circuits.
Synthetic biology employs systems biology approaches to construct and analyze complex biological systems to reveal the workings of life processes. The development of synthetic biology has also benefited from gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 which enable precise genetic manipulation.
From a societal standpoint, synthetic biology has raised numerous ethical issues such as reevaluating the definition of life and considering the long-term impacts of gene editing. Currently, public acceptance of synthetic biology varies; therefore it is necessary to increase public trust and understanding through scientific education and transparent communication. Concurrently with progress in this area comes a need for corresponding policies and regulations to guide research.
In terms of applications, synthetic biology has been widely involved in the medical, agricultural, industrial, environmental, food, and energy sectors. In the field of healthcare, synthetic biology is used to develop new drugs, gene therapies, and personalized medicine. In agriculture, synthetic biology is employed to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and nutritional value. In industry, synthetic biology can be used to produce biofuels biodegradable plastics and other bio-based chemicals.In environmental science,synthetic biology can be utilized for bioremediation such as using engineered microorganisms to treat pollution and improve environmental quality. Additionally,synthetic biology contributes to the development of alternative foods like lab-grown meat produced through microbial fermentation to meet the growing food demands of the human population.
Topic 3: Whether synthetic biology research requires ethical review
Research in the field of synthetic biology often involves modifying and redesigning biological systems, which can easily raise ethical, legal, and social issues. Therefore, ethical review plays an essential role in synthetic biology research. Since our current research is conducted only in the laboratory without any medical applications, it does not impact biosafety, the environment, or human health; thus it is not currently subject to ethical review.
In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology officially promulgated the 'Science and Technology Ethics Review Regulations (Trial)'. This regulation emphasizes institutionalizing and standardizing ethical reviews for scientific research activities. It requires all scientific research projects involving ethical issues to undergo an ethical review. Ethical reviews in synthetic biology research usually focus on aspects such as biosafety, environmental impact, human health, privacy and confidentiality concerns, intellectual property rights protection as well as fairness and justice considerations.
Understanding and complying with the 'Science and Technology Ethics Review Regulations (Trial)' is crucial for researchers involved in synthetic biology. Through ethical reviews, researchers can better assess potential risks and ethical impacts associated with their research activities while balancing scientific progress with social responsibility.
Topic 4: The most important ethical considerations in synthetic biology research
The development of synthetic biology technology has not only brought about tremendous scientific and technological advancements but has also raised numerous ethical and social challenges.
Firstly, the technology may potentially impact the environment through the design and release of new biological entities or genomes, including altering ecosystem stability, causing gene flow and genetic pollution, which can have long-term effects on biodiversity and ecological balance.
Secondly, while technological applications such as drug production, biofuels, and food improvement can promote health and environmental innovation, it is also necessary to ensure a thorough assessment of safety and health impacts. On the ethical front, the advancement of technology has sparked profound discussions on artificial life and its moral consequences; therefore vigilance against potential technology misuse and social injustice is crucial. Additionally, managing and assessing the uncertainty surrounding synthetic biology technology includes considering the long-term behavior of new biological entities as well as addressing moral issues arising from its use in scientific research.
Lastly, to ensure the sustainability and social acceptance of the technology, the public must be involved in the decision-making process through transparent information dissemination and education. This will establish a policy foundation that aligns with ethical frameworks and serves the public interest. Therefore, comprehensive consideration of both scientific progress and ethical responsibility is necessary for the development and application of synthetic biology, promoting sustainable development and fair sharing within society and towards the environment.
Topic 5: Measures to contain and reduce the risks that may arise from the experiment
In synthetic biology experiments, it is crucial to implement a series of measures to curb and mitigate potential risks.
First and foremost, conducting a comprehensive risk assessment before commencing the experiment is essential in identifying potential biosafety, environmental safety, and occupational health hazards. Based on the identified risks associated with experimental materials and procedures, determining the appropriate biosafety level becomes imperative, ensuring that the experiment takes place in a laboratory corresponding to that grade. The use of biosafety cabinets, isolators, and other equipment is necessary for limiting exposure to biological materials as well as preventing their spread.
Furthermore, when designing synthetic genetic circuits, incorporating "kill switches" or "suicide genes" becomes vital for controlling or eliminating biological entities in case of accidental release. Strict implementation of biosafety measures including access control, monitoring, and auditing should be enforced to prevent any misuse of technology."
Establishing and adhering to standardized operating procedures (SOPs) is essential for ensuring the consistency and safety of experimental operations. Proper handling and disposal of waste generated from the experiment, including chemical disinfection, incineration, or other safe methods, should be conducted. It is crucial to provide training for all individuals involved in the experiment to ensure necessary safety training and understanding of potential risks and response measures. An emergency response plan should be established to take swift action in case of accidents or incidents.
Compliance with national and international laws and regulations on biotechnology research is mandatory, requiring communication with regulatory agencies to be maintained. Regular ethical reviews should be conducted to ensure that experimental design and implementation comply with ethical standards. Openly communicating with the public about the purpose of the research, potential risks, and risk management measures is important. Continuous monitoring of the stability and safety of biological systems during the experiment process is necessary, allowing for timely adjustments in experimental plans to address newly discovered risks.
Topic 6: Ethical awareness and risk awareness of synthetic biology technology education and related education training
Regarding this issue, I believe the education on ethical awareness and risk perception for the scientific community, especially in cutting-edge fields like synthetic biology, is "essentially sufficient," but there is still room for improvement. Considering the rapid development of technology and the complexity of ethical issues, I think that the existing level of education may not yet comprehensively cover all important aspects.
The corrected sentence is: "Regarding whether there should be training and education for researchers in synthetic biology ethics and risk-related issues, my answer is affirmative. Such training not only helps researchers to be more conscious of ethical considerations and avoid potential risks during research and innovation processes but also enhances the comprehensive understanding of synthetic biology technology within the entire scientific community, promoting harmonious coexistence between science and society.
If relevant training is available, I would be very willing to participate. As researchers, we bear the responsibility of promoting scientific progress and social development; however, we should also take on corresponding social responsibilities. Participating in ethics and risk-related training and education is not only a responsibility to ourselves but also to the public and the future. Through training, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ethical framework of synthetic biology, potential risks, as well as response strategies, thus enabling us to act more cautiously and responsibly in our work.
Topic 7: Other measures to ensure the ethical development of synthetic biology research
Currently, the country has already introduced a series of policies and guidelines for the development of synthetic biology. However, in the future, these requirements should be further standardized and refined to provide specific references for researchers engaged in synthetic biology so that they know what does not meet the requirements. Additionally, relevant laws and regulations should be established to regulate synthetic biology researchers and practitioners who have access to related products, controlling every step from research and production to application.
To better ensure that synthetic biology complies with ethics, it is necessary to establish teams in relevant laboratories regularly organizing learning sessions on relevant regulations and constantly reminding researchers of operations that violate the rules. Moreover, the public should also be educated about the importance of biosafety and encouraged to let go of biases against synthetic biology products.
Topic 8: Which regulatory approach for synthetic biology is more effective
Each of the aforementioned regulatory approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Firstly, there is self-regulation by the scientific community. Scientists have an in-depth understanding of the technical details of synthetic biology, which allows them to formulate professional and targeted regulatory measures. However, there may be potential conflicts of interest, and there is a risk that an overemphasis on technological development could lead to neglecting social ethics and public safety.
Secondly, there is top-down regulation led by the government. The government possesses authority and power to enforce unified regulatory standards while ensuring national security and social stability. However, due to a potential lack of professional knowledge, it may struggle to develop precise and effective regulatory measures with a possibility that innovation could be stifled.
Following that is public regulation, which can enhance social transparency and reflect the concerns and wishes of the public, contributing to the social acceptance of regulations. However, the public may lack necessary professional knowledge and information, which could result in ineffective and untargeted regulations.
Lastly, there is bottom-up regulation by stakeholders. This approach combines opinions from experts in different fields and the public, balancing multiple interests and enhancing comprehensiveness and fairness of regulations. However, decision-making processes may be slow due to involvement from many interested parties, requiring an effective coordination mechanism.
The optimal regulation should be a collaboration that leverages strengths from each approach while avoiding their weaknesses; this is the best regulatory approach.
Topic 9: Attitude towards the development of synthetic biology-related technologies
Currently, synthetic biology has driven significant progress in fields such as medicine, energy, and environmental protection. Simultaneously, it has also brought forth new industries and job opportunities, promoting economic growth. Synthetic biology has demonstrated tremendous potential in addressing global issues like disease treatment, food shortages, and environmental pollution.
Additionally, it involves gene editing and the creation of living organisms which may trigger ethical and moral controversies. Synthetic organisms might have unknown impacts on natural ecosystems that require rigorous biosafety assessments. Effectively regulating the research and application of synthetic biology to ensure safety and responsible use poses an important challenge.
The development of synthetic biology-related technologies should be a cautious and orderly process that not only promotes scientific and technological progress but also fully considers ethical, safety, and environmental factors. This necessitates extensive dialogue and cooperation between scientists, policymakers, ethicists, and the public to jointly formulate reasonable guidelines and regulatory frameworks for this field's development.
Topic 10: The level of public recognition and acceptance of synbiotic therapy depends on various factors
Firstly, the public generally does not pay much attention to the specific drug development process but is more concerned about the drug's efficacy and safety. Moreover, drugs must undergo rigorous clinical trials before they are marketed, and the results of these trials can enhance public trust in them. If a drug is approved by regulatory agencies and successfully marketed, it usually reduces public concerns regarding its safety and effectiveness. At the same time, we understand that the public is more inclined to focus on the actual efficacy of the drug in solving their health problems.
Secondly, educating the public about the scientific basis, mechanism of action, and potential benefits of synbiotic therapy through popular science activities can help increase acceptance. Additionally, increasing transparency in research and development processes including clinical trial data and regulatory decision-making processes can boost public trust.
Moreover, appropriate promotion is also particularly important. The recommendation of doctors and other medical professionals is crucial for the public to accept new therapies. Positive media coverage and public relations activities can help shape the public's perception of synbiotic therapy. Sharing successful cases of synbiotic therapy can enhance the credibility of the treatment.
Providing easy-to-understand educational materials can help the public understand the benefits and potential risks associated with synbiotic therapy. Collaborating with community organizations to conduct health lectures and seminars can also increase public understanding of this treatment. Ongoing communication with the public should be maintained to address their questions and concerns effectively. Additionally, considering cultural backgrounds is necessary to ensure sensitivity and appropriateness in information transmission regarding acceptance of medical interventions. Providing evidence from long-term and short-term side effect studies contributes to demonstrating safety in using this therapy.
Through these measures, understanding and acceptance among the general population towards synbiotic therapy can gradually increase, reducing skepticism and fear towards novel treatments.
Topic 11: Attitude towards the current public opinion environment for synthetic biology products
The current public opinion environment for synthetic biology products is relatively friendly, but there are a few points that need to be mentioned. Firstly, the public's understanding of synthetic biology and its differences from genetic modification technology is insufficient, leading to misunderstandings and prejudices in the public opinion environment. Some public opinions incorrectly link genetically modified foods to health issues, and this negative propaganda may solidify consumers' negative perceptions of synthetic biology products. Synthetic biology should not repeat the old path of gaining public acceptance like genetic modification technology did; it is necessary to improve the public's understanding of its scientific basis and potential benefits through education and communication. Additionally, it must also be mentioned that synthetic biology involves more complex genetic circuit modifications which require adequate basic operations and risk assessments in the early stages.
Secondly, the country currently has certain policy support and publicity for synthetic biology, which helps increase public understanding and acceptance of synthetic biology and its products. It is important to positively guide public opinion by emphasizing the positive role and potential benefits of synthetic biology in medical, agricultural, and environmental protection fields. Improving transparency in synthetic biology research and product development by disclosing research results and risk assessments can enhance public trust.
Through scientific popularization activities and educational resources, basic knowledge of synthetic biology should be popularized to the public while explaining its differences from genetic modification technology. Emphasis on ethical considerations and social responsibilities in the research and application of synthetic biology ensures that technological development aligns with social values and expectations. Support for establishing regulatory frameworks related to synthetic biology will ensure safety compliance during research or production processes. Encouraging consumers' participation in discussions about feedback on synthetic biology products allows them to have their voices heard during technology development process.
I believe that we can gradually establish a positive, healthy, and scientifically informed public opinion environment, which promotes the healthy development and public acceptance of synthetic biology technology.
Harvest
In the online meeting held at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, we delved into key issues such as ethical awareness, risk perception, and public acceptance in the field of synthetic biology. The core purpose of this meeting was to exchange views on the ethical considerations of Chinese researchers in practicing synthetic biology, as well as their understanding and response strategies to potential risks. Through this meeting, we were able to provide substantive guidance and suggestions for the iGEM project, ensuring that our research activities are both ethically compliant and can responsibly advance scientific progress.
The significance of the meeting lies in our ability to exchange ideas with experts and scholars from diverse backgrounds, which helps us clarify ethical and safety issues that should be focused on in synthetic biology research. These issues include but are not limited to biosafety of genetic manipulation, the moral boundaries of creating life, potential impacts on human health and the environment, and the uncertainty of risks. Through these discussions, we have gained a clearer understanding that research in synthetic biology should not only pursue scientific breakthroughs but also consider its long-term impact on society, the environment, and human health.
For the experimental group, we discussed how to incorporate ethical considerations into the experimental design. This includes ensuring biosafety in experiments, assessing and controlling potential environmental impacts, as well as implementing effective risk management measures. The feedback we received emphasized conducting a comprehensive risk assessment before starting an experiment. It was suggested that we incorporate safety features such as "kill switches" into our experimental design to ensure rapid control in case of accidents.
The modeling group was asked about their methods for predicting and assessing potential risks in synthetic biology systems using mathematical models, as well as how to use these models to guide experimental design and risk management. Experts advised the modeling group to consider the complexity and uncertainty of the system when constructing models, and recommended close collaboration with the experimental group to ensure accurate reflection of experimental conditions in model predictions.
Overall, this meeting holds great significance for our iGEM project. It not only helped us clarify ethical and safety concerns in synthetic biology research but also provided strategies and methods for effective risk management. Through these activities, we ensure that our project takes responsibility for considering societal and environmental impacts while exploring scientific advancements, thus promoting the healthy development of synthetic biology.