Programs

NEW PROGRAM: OBSERV

OBSERV is a multi-week virtual challenge designed to identify vulnerabilities in DNA sequence screening algorithms by leveraging the expertise of small teams of students and postdocs. The OBSERV pilot event aims to build and promote a security-conscious community within engineering biology by enabling early-career researchers to collaborate with commercial gene synthesis providers and biosecurity experts. We believe that students and postdocs bring creativity and fresh perspectives that can uniquely enable them to identify unknown gaps in current sequence screening methodologies. The broader biotechnology community can utilize these findings to improve current screening practices and inform future governance of gene synthesis technologies.

Research Roadmapping

One of EBRC’s core missions is to prepare compelling research roadmaps for the field, identifying areas of research and milestones critical to the advancement of engineering tools and technologies, as well as the broader applications and impacts of research advancement. The purpose of the EBRC Technical Research Roadmap for Engineering Biology is to provide a resource for the engineering biology research community – academic and industrial – that identifies the priority areas for basic (or pre-competitive) research advancement for multiple timeframes over the next two decades. Goals of EBRC’s roadmapping effort include influencing the direction and availability of funding; identifying areas where potential advancement would have significant scientific, social, and economic impact, highlighting particular challenges and bottlenecks for research; and informing public policy. The Roadmap has been developed by EBRC members and other engineering biology community experts through input from collaborative meetings, workshops, and written peer-review. EBRC roadmapping is an evergreen effort that will be have regular relevant updates as the field progresses.

Improving Security Considerations in Engineering Biology Research

The EBRC Improving Security Considerations program is a broad effort to encourage researchers in engineering biology to consider the security implications of their work. Through workshops and other educational activities, we aim to establish norms and practices for researchers and the research-support community to better incorporate security into the research enterprise. Our goals are to educate the community about security considerations and risk, policies, and mitigation strategies and resources associated with improving security in engineering biology research and products. EBRC also aims to improve communication and engagement between researchers and the security community (including policy makers); clarify and contextualize the language surrounding security in engineering biology; and integrate security into the responsible conduct of research culture through proactive communication and discussion of security.

Student & Postdoc Association

The EBRC Student & Postdoc Association (SPA) is an organization of graduate students and postdocs that facilitates networking and engagement between SPA members and the broader EBRC membership. SPA members are the first to hear about new EBRC programs and activities and have access to special content on the EBRC website.

Industry Internship Program

The Industry Internship Program is a four-month summer program, administered by EBRC, giving students valuable industry experience. Participating companies host one or more PhD-candidates on-site, providing the opportunity to introduce students to industry culture and train the future workforce and industry leadership. Graduate student-interns work on projects that fit their interests and experience and enhance their studies, and gain from unique professional development opportunities. No prior industry experience is necessary or expected. The EBRC Industry Internship Program is currently in a pilot phase.

Now recruiting hosts for the 2022 program. Contact internship@ebrc.org for more info.

Mentorship Program

The development of the next-generation of leaders in synthetic biology is a critical component of EBRC’s mission. The EBRC Student and Postdoc Association (SPA) established a mentorship program to link SPA members with EBRC industry and government partners in an effort to provide a fertile research network and promote best practices for responsible innovation. Mentor-mentee pairs are encouraged to have monthly conversations in person, over video call or by phone, and the program also facilitates in-person social events during the EBRC Retreats. Through this program, graduate students and postdocs are provided with valuable career support and professional guidance, especially those interested in careers outside of academia.