Iranian South Medical Journal (Nov 2017)
A Roadmap Draft for the Development of Synthetic Biology in I.R. Iran
Abstract
Background: According to the Royal Academy of Engineering (2009), “synthetic biology aims to design and engineer biologically-based parts, novel devices and systems as well as redesigning existing, natural biological systems”. It has been predicted that synthetic biology would be one of twelve destructive and creative technologies in the future and would transform the life, business and economic world. Methods: By considering critical infrastructures in biological sciences, biomedical research centers, biotechnological infrastructures, national innovation system, national scientific roadmap and centers for doctoral training in I.R. Iran and recent experiences for progress of synthetic biology in different countries, a conceptual framework for the development of synthetic biology in I.R. Iran was designed. Results: Five strategies may be considered in order to develop synthetic biology in I.R. Iran. 1. The establishment of centers of excellence for research in synthetic biology; 2. Support of multidisciplinary cores for biomedical technologies in universities; 3. Networking and building a national Smart Specialization Platform for synthetic biology; 4. Education and training in synthetic biology to provide the critical national workforce mass; 5. Public engagement with synthetic biology. Conclusion: Together these five strategies provide an important foundation for establishment of essential infrastructures and expert workforce for the development of synthetic biology in I.R. Iran. By conducting a practical roadmap, Iran would be a leading nation in synthetic biology in the west part of Asia in the future.
