Responsible genomes: How can we foster responsible innovation in synthetic genomics?

Abstract

Reflections on the responsible development of synthetic genomics have contributed to shaping Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) as an area of inquiry. This paper revisits the question: what does responsibility entail in the field of synthetic genomics? We build on key tenets emerging from the work of bioethicists and scholars of innovation and RRI, examine how biosafety and biosecurity concerns have influenced debate about the responsible conduct of synthetic genomics, and engage with the conceptual structure of an RRI framework formed around dimensions of anticipation, reflection, engagement and action (AREA). We observe that while synthetic genomics research has progressed, with a series of landmark scientific advances, major real-world applications have yet to materialise. We discuss what this means for RRI deliberations of synthetic genomics, sketching out the directions we anticipate synthetic genomics may take in the near future and highlighting the necessity to broaden considerations beyond biosafety.

Keywords

• Synthetic genomics
• synthetic biology
• responsible innovation
• bioethics
• biotechnology governance