Synbio Showcase and Strategy Meeting
University of Bath: David Leak
University of Bristol: Paul Race
Cardiff University: Dafydd Jones
University of Exeter: Thomas Howard (PI)
Background
Synthetic biology is the application of engineering principles to the understanding and design of biological systems. It is an inherently multidisciplinary research area covering a broad range of challenges including biofuels and bioenergy, the transition towards a bioeconomy, medical and health-care advances, food security and advanced materials manufacture. As such synthetic biology underpins many of the GW4’s grand challenges.
Project Summary
Funding was used for a GW4 Synthetic Biology Showcase Event and Strategy Meeting with attendees from GW4, UWE, EPSRC and synthetic biology industry start-ups. The event showcased the breadth and quality of research across GW4 and set-up cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary project discussions. The strategy meeting established a GW4 synthetic biology strategy group of GW4 researchers which identified key areas for development of cross-institute collaborations. Further community events are planned in order to explore collaborative ideas and identify further funding. Potential funding opportunities were identified, especially in the areas of security and future cities.
