Science development,

ethics and communication;

The power of framing Synthetic Biology

By Annemarie van Paassen

Knowledge Technology & Innovation group

Wageningen University

Ethics education as part of a course on inter-and

transdisicplinary research and the role of communication experts

One week, full time course item:

Day 1: Introduction Biosynthetic Biology from life science perspective

Day 2: The present knowledge and perspective of the public on syntehtic biology + Ethical reflection on science development and life science communication: the power of framing

Day 3: Principles of responsible innovation

Day 4: Design of ethical reflection by citizens on development synthetic biology (consensus conference)

Day 5: Role play of best designed consensus conference; reflection on design, facilitation and outcome

Day two, The power of framing Synthetic Biology

Content presentation

New science and the need for public debate

Actual framing of Synthetic Biology

What comparators for framing the public debate

What role for life science communication experts?

Synthetic Biology and public debate(Torgerson & Schmidt, 2013)

Emerging technologies: technical & economic benefits, security, safety & ethical aspects

Public debate to rationally deal with conflicts, and how to deal with it. (instrumental, normative & sustantive reason)

Organised ethical debates <->outside public debate

Every debate is subject of dominant frame, determining expectations, what is considered relevant and form of argumentation that is deemed legitimate

(Risk frame, ethical frame of playing God, economic & fairness frame)

The role of methaphors and frames creating understanding of the field

Synthetic Biology Explained: Putting the engineering back into genetic engineering (6:34 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD5uNAMbDaQ

What is Synthetic Biology?: Engineering life and livelihoods (10:42 minutes), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C726wUGLdL4

Question posed:

Identify methafors and analogies

What is the message and frame displayed

Would the video’s be useful as communication instruments in a campaign to promote public understanding of this new field?

Metaphors Video 1: Synthetic Biology Explained:

Putting the engineering back into genetic engineering

Cut & paste/photocopied fragments

Printed code letter by letter, modelled on computers

Programming language

Industrial inkjet printer

Software builds hardware

Lego like functional components

Open source catalogue of 5000 standardised components: biobricks

Order it via internet

Metaphors 2: Engineering life and livelihoods

Role of framing (and Life science communication experts)

Video 1: Analogy with information technology, controlled use Lego bricks, unpreceded development potential

Video 2: extreme genetic engineering with high uncertainty & consequences poor agricultural producers.

What will or should be the main comparator: analogy other technologies influencing public’s imagination, framing, reflection and acceptance

Comparators for Synthetic Biology Public debate

(Torgerson & Schmidt, 2013) Biotechnology: Risk frame GM food and agressive

exploitation big businesses of natural resources. Playing God _> biosafety & bioterror attacks. SB no strong objections as not yet impinged on food.

Nanotechnology: early public engagement and concerns directly adressed by research. EC Responsible Research & Innovation, reaping technology promising competitive advantage

Computer Technology: powerful ‘cool’ technology (gen-based informatics, gadget such as glowing plant). Amongst researchers IT frame is prominent, democratic Do-It-Yourself science (e.g. iGEM)

Framing and public debate SB?

What would you as life science communication expert do, with what effect?

Framing and public debate SB?

What would you as life science communication expert do? Why, with what envisaged effect?

1. IT related framing, downplaying uncertainties

2. Early, though tough, engagement of public in ethical debate for responsible innovation trajectory?

3. Highlight Synthetic biology as advanced Biotechnology, to stimulate strong outside debate?