Divinity School
Published June 26, 2024 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Deconstructing synthetic biology across scales: A conceptual approach for training synthetic biologists

Creators

  • 1. Northwestern University
  • 2. University of Chicago
  • 3. Stanford University
  • 4. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Description

Synthetic biology allows us to reuse, repurpose, and reconfigure biological systems to address society's most pressing challenges. Developing biotechnologies in this way requires integrating concepts across disciplines, posing challenges to educating students with diverse expertise. We created a framework for synthetic biology training that deconstructs biotechnologies across scales—molecular, circuit/network, cell/cell-free systems, biological communities, and societal—giving students a holistic toolkit to integrate cross-disciplinary concepts towards responsible innovation of successful biotechnologies. We present this framework, lessons learned, and inclusive teaching materials to allow its adaption to train the next generation of synthetic biologists.

Data availability

The full set of deidentified responses used for thematic analysis in Table 1 can be made available upon reasonable request pending ethical consideration of intended use.

Files

Deconstructing-synthetic-biology-across-scales.pdf

Files (14.9 MB)

Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1038/s41467-024-49626-x
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:12718

Funding

National Science Foundation
SynBAS NRT program
Bachrach Family Foundation

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Divinity School
Department(s)
Divinity School Research Publications