GEC 2022 Synthetic Biology Symposium: Working Together to Promote the Development of Synthetic Biology

In the context of the rapid development and transformation of synthetic biology, on July 17th, 2022, GEC Academy, along with Gansu Provincial Microbiology Society, held its first synthetic biology symposium, inviting industry experts, both domestic and international, to discuss the most recent advances and state-of-the-art technologies in synthetic biology as well as the future trends of China's biotech-industry.

 

After 20 years of growth, synthetic biology has become a field that is driving major innovations in the bioeconomy and pushing the boundaries of biomedical science and biotechnology. It has attracted the attention of a booming population of students in China. The International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) is a well-known worldwide synthetic biology competition that has attracted thousands of Chinese students every year to attend. This symposium also set up a session for students- "Synthetic Biology Conference for Youth", established particularly to stimulate the innovative and creative capacities of young people and to promote the coordinated development of synthetic biology education and industry. 

 

The Symposium has brought together a number of experts and scholars from well-known universities and research institutions, including Stanford University School of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Zhejiang University, South China University of Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Shenzhen University. During the meeting, the key experts shared expertise and discussed specific issues with the audience from different perspectives. Hundreds of high school students who are interested in synthetic biology and/or are considering pursuing a degree in relevant fields were also invited to attend the presentations. Later that day, several iGEM contestants were also invited to share their competition experience as well as their iGEM projects with the audience.

 

The symposium ended with GEC Academy putting forward an initiative to establish a youth synthetic biology talent training alliance with colleges and high schools in China, intending to jointly build an open platform and think tank for synthetic biology innovation, in particular for students and young scholars, to enhance international exchanges and cooperation among them in the field of synthetic biology.