The Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS and the National Security College at the Australian National University (ANU) jointly organised “The Synthetic Biology Ethics Workshop” on 15 August 2024. The event brought together 25 participants from across the Indo-Pacific, including biosecurity and synthetic biology experts from Australia, Singapore, India, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
The workshop addressed the ethical applications of synthetic biology, a field that holds immense potential for scientific advancement but also presents significant ethical and biosecurity challenges. Participants deliberated on the establishment of a robust ethical framework to guide the development and deployment of synthetic biology in the region.
Professor Mely Caballero-Anthony, Head of the NTS Centre, delivered the opening remarks, emphasising the importance of ethical considerations in the application of synthetic biology. She highlighted the need for a balanced approach to foster innovation while safeguarding against potential biosecurity risks.
The workshop featured three main sessions, each opened with framing remarks by the ANU team, who presented insights from their report titled “Ethical Frameworks for Deployment of Synthetic Biology in the Indo-Pacific.” The report provided a foundation for the discussions that followed, which took place in an informal, discussion-style format.
Key topics included cross-border genetic data sharing and access-benefit sharing – critical areas in ensuring that the benefits of synthetic biology are equitably distributed across the region. The final session focused on public and stakeholder engagement, calling attention to the importance of involving diverse voices in the ethical discourse surrounding synthetic biology.
The workshop was able to foster a positive and frank exchange among participants, laying the groundwork for more discussions on strengthening frameworks to promote ethical governance of synthetic biology in the Indo-Pacific.
