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Team:Waterloo/Human Practices
From 2009.igem.org
Contents |
Human Practices
The world now stands in an exciting position; in labs all over the world scientists work tirelessly to master the precise workings of cellular machinery, the genetic code, and intricate protein structures. Applications for products facilitated by the development of new technologies become more obvious and more essential each day. Many of the problems we face in the world- hunger, pollution, and disease, all necessitate the development of these groundbreaking technologies. Science, and in particular biology, has advanced to a key, critical stage, which promises to deliver exciting, life changing, and even paradigm shifting advances.
Well… at least that’s what we think.
As budding synthetic biologists and students of science, the development of a new, game changing technology is something that excites and intrigues us. However, not everyone feels the same way. Much of the world young or old, educated or uneducated, simply don’t get the same thrill from science.
Our goal is to educate and excite people about synthetic biology such that our contributions will encourage the development of a society that is scientifically well informed.
Outreach
Outreach & Synthetic Biology
The novelty of synthetic biology means that most of the population is not even aware that it exists (See Awareness & Attitudes Study). As such, an important aspect of our outreach efforts is to introduce the topic of synthetic biology and present its current position and the promise it holds.
In the development of synthetic biology, as with many new technologies, there is still much to learn and discover. As a result, in these stages of development it is difficult to obtain an accurate, comprehensive picture of synthetic biology. As a result, the information that is disseminated to stakeholders is not always enough to prevent them from forming misinformed opinions and thus cedes misconceptions and fallacies.
Negative impressions of synthetic biology could have a detrimental, long-lasting affect on its development in the publics’ mind’s eye. Therefore, it is important to try and address the budding opinions that are beginning to form. In doing this, we hope to be able to educate the public, address misconceptions, and facilitate a healthy interaction between synthetic biology and the public.
