Climate and Sustainability Roadmap In-person Workshop

This workshop is by invitation only, with a limited number of attendants. The workshop will focus on reviewing and revising our technical research roadmap to advance engineering biology tools and technologies that respond to the urgency of the climate crisis and promote long-term sustainability.

Register here
April 11th, 2022: Registration closes; Deadline for hotel and travel arrangements by EBRC

Agenda Outline
Detailed Agenda Coming Soon!

Workshop Objectives
Review Technical Themes, Research Goals, and Milestones collectively and holistically to identify gaps and summarize the priorities, potential impacts, and the messages they portray.
Participants will work independently and in small groups to review, revise, and complete the content of the technical roadmap.
Identify Milestones in need of further discussion and revise identified Milestones based on the discussions.
Group review and discussion of case studies on Social and Non-Technical Considerations.

Travel Support and Meeting Hotel:
We anticipate covering travel expenses for academics, including students and postdocs. Please see EBRC’s full travel policy here.

We will be reserving a block of rooms at DoubleTree Hilton in Skokie, IL at a rate of $119/night. Please indicate on the registration page if you will need hotel accommodations. If your travel is not covered by EBRC, you can provide payment at check in. Please contact helix@ebrc.org with any questions rather than contacting the hotel directly.

Health and Safety:
We are committed to hosting a safe event. We will be closely watching CDC recommendations in addition to all relevant local and state guidelines leading up to the workshop and make any changes necessary for health and safety. Proof of vaccination will be required for attendance. A rapid antigen testing strategy may also be deployed depending on conditions.

For more information about the roadmap or workshop, please contact Sifang Chen (schen@ebrc.org)

For information on EBRC’s travel policies, please contact helix@ebrc.org.

Agricultural Crop Security: Exploring US Federal Readiness and Response Capabilities

Publication Date: September 2021 | Originally published in Health Security.

The consequences of a large-scale attack on US agricultural crops could have severe implications for food and economic security. Recognition, response, and recovery efforts from such an event would involve local, state, and federal plant health officials in addition to law enforcement. This paper, published in Health Security, describes federal preparedness and response capabilities within USDA and between federal agencies and recommends actions to strengthen federal readiness.

Making Security Viral: Shifting Engineering Biology Culture and Publishing

Publication Date: February 2022 | Originally published in ACS Synthetic Biology.

Consistent reflection on the implications of engineering biology tools and products can help direct and ensure their responsible development. In this paper, members of EBRC’s Security Working Group suggest that the publication stage of the research cycle is an important opportunity to consider the security implications of given work. They describe how such a process might be implemented.

EBRC SPA Presents Transitioning to Business Roles Post-PhD Panel

The EBRC Student and Postdoc Association is hosting a Transitioning to Business Roles Post-PhD panel event, where researchers can connect with professionals who work in venture capital, consulting, business development, and technology transfer following a biotech graduate education. Join us virtually on April 6th, 2022 (2:00-3:30pm ET |11:00-12:30am PT) on GatherTown by registering here. Our diverse panel includes a broad range of business perspectives that will provide insights on how graduate students can begin to differentiate in preparation for these career paths.

Click here to view our flyer.

Please contact Eric South (esouth@bu.edu) if you have any questions.

Panelist Biographies

Sarah R. Carter, Ph.D.
LinkedIn
Dr. Carter is the Principal at Science Policy Consulting LLC where she focuses on societal and policy implications of emerging biotechnologies. Trained as a scientist, she has a detailed understanding of synthetic biology and tracks advances in biotechnology as they arise. She has 10+ years of experience working with policy frameworks related to biotechnologies and the increasingly diverse biotechnology industry, and has contributed to many policy projects and processes, including those organized by U.S. government agencies, non-profit and academic institutions, and others. Previously, she worked in the Policy Center of the J. Craig Venter Institute and in the Obama Administration’s White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Dr. Carter is a former AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow and a former Mirzayan Fellow of the National Academies. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of California-San Francisco and her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Duke University.

Travis D’Cruz, Ph.D., MSEM
LinkedIn
Dr. D’Cruz is a Senior Manager at Oncorus with an advanced background in life sciences research and several years of experience in facilitating technology commercialization. Travis is adept at spearheading partnership discussions to execute productive deals, along with experience in leading asset-focused partnering discussions with large pharma, supporting strategic collaborations from initial discussions through post-deal alignment, and supporting technology licensing deals to enhance company pipeline and platforms. Previously, Dr. D’Cruz led and managed all aspects of academic tech transfer for Tufts University’s life science portfolio, and assisted with patent strategy, IP licenses, routine contracts, and alliance management. Dr. D’Cruz earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Penn State University, a Master of Science in Engineering Management at Tufts University, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Drexel University.

Eric Keen, Ph.D.
LinkedIn
Dr. Keen joined Flagship Pioneering in 2022 following completion of Flagship’s 2021 Fellows Program. As part of Geoffrey von Maltzahn’s origination team, Eric works to conceive and develop transformative bioplatform companies which address key challenges in health and sustainability. Eric holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis from Washington University in St. Louis, where he was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, and a B.S. in Biology with highest honors from the University of Miami, where he was a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar. Outside of work, Eric enjoys hiking, biking, and almost anything else outdoors.

Anji Miller, Ph.D. CLP RTTP
LinkedIn

Dr Miller is a technology transfer professional with extensive experience of developing and translating early-stage translational research. Her current role at LifeArc involves working with academic and charitable establishments to identify, cultivate, fund, and commercialise early-stage healthcare technologies, focusing on rare diseases and advance therapies.

Prior to joining LifeArc, she worked for several leading establishments, including The Wellcome Trust and St George’s University of London, working at the forefront of academic translational research and knowledge transfer policy. A proponent for professional advancement in technology transfer, Dr Miller directs the LifeArc AUTM Tech Transfer Fellowship, a programme designed to train and assist scientists to become TT professionals, and she is the skills lead for the UK’s recently launched Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapy. An advocate of equality diversity and Inclusion, Dr Miller cofounded Global Equality, Diversity and Equality in Technology Transfer (GEDITT), an initiative missioned to raise awareness and promote EDI in the TT sector.

Dr Miller holds an M.Sc. in Human Molecular Genetics and Ph.D in Cancer Genetics from Imperial College, and M.Sc. and Certificate in IP Law from QMUL. She is a certified project manager, Registered Technology Transfer Professional and Certified Licensing Professional. Dr Miller serves as VP of Communities on the ASTP Board, a member of the BioIndustry Association (BIA) Cell & Gene Therapy Advisory Committee, and the AUTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity Committee.

EBRC 2022 Annual Meeting

We are excited to announce the EBRC 2022 Annual Meeting at the University of California, Berkeley on May 19-20, 2022. All EBRC members in industry, government, and academia, including students and postdocs, are invited to attend.

Registration is now closed. For more information, please contact helix@ebrc.org.

The EBRC Annual Meeting is home to exciting research talks, updates on EBRC programs and initiatives, and opportunities to build relationships and identify collaborators. View our complete agenda here and our program book here.

Annual Meeting Venue:
University of California, Berkeley
174 Stanley Hall,
Berkeley, CA 94720-3220

Registration:
Registration is now closed. For more information, contact helix@ebrc.org. To confirm your spot and offset some of the meal costs, there will be a nominal fee ($150 for academic, government, and industry members and $75 for students and postdocs). The majority of expenses are still covered by grants and industry membership dues. If this fee is prohibitive for you or your lab members, please email helix@ebrc.org.

As you register, you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in participating in a Roadmapping Workshop on Wednesday May 18, and your interest in sharing a 60-second “Synergies” talk to briefly describe what you are working on and identify potential partnerships and collaborations.

The EBRC annual meeting is open to members and invited guests only. Members include our academic members, their students and postdocs, member companies’ employees, government affiliates, and members of EBRC’s Student & Postdoc Association.

Travel Support and Meeting Hotel:
We anticipate covering airfare and hotel expenses for speakers from academia, including students and postdocs, for EBRC Academic Council Members, and for Student and Postdoc Association Board Members. This travel support does not include the meal fee ($150 for academic, government, and industry members and $75 for students and postdocs). Email helix@ebrc.org if this fee is prohibitive. Please see EBRC’s full travel policy here.

EBRC has reserved a block of hotel rooms at the Graduate Berkeley at 2600 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 at $209.00 per night. Please indicate on the registration page if you will need hotel accommodations. We will reserve the room in our block. If your travel is not covered by EBRC, you can provide payment at check in. Please contact helix@ebrc.org with any questions rather than contacting the hotel directly.

Health and Safety:
We are committed to hosting a safe event. We will be closely watching CDC recommendations in addition to all relevant local and state guidelines leading up to the Meeting and make any changes necessary for health and safety. Proof of vaccination will be required for attendance. A rapid antigen testing strategy may also be deployed depending on conditions. Meals will be provided outside.

Andrea Garza Elizondo

Andrea is a PhD candidate in the Chappell Lab at Rice University. Her research focuses on optimizing gene editing systems to study the genetic regulation and secondary metabolism of the bacteria Streptomyces. Prior to this, she graduated from the University of Houston with a BSc in Honors Biomedical Sciences. Outside of research, Andrea enjoys drawing, sewing, and roller skating. She is also a Mentorship Program Liaison and a Social Co-Chair for the EBRC’s SPA.

Climate and Sustainability Roadmap Social Dimensions Writing Workshop

Thursday, March 10th, 2022
2:00pm-5:00pm ET | 11:00am-2:00pm PT
Held virtually on Zoom

Register Here

Registration closes March 8th, 2021

Agenda: Coming Soon!

EBRC is developing four case studies to examine the social and non-technical dimensions related to the technical advancements proposed in the Climate and Sustainability Roadmap. At this workshop, participants will explore in-depth the regulatory, societal, economic, and security issues presented by the following case studies:

Release of engineered algae with increased carbon capture capability in U.S. coastal waters off California

Application of biofertilizers based on engineered rhizobia to corn fields in the American Midwest

High efficiency lithium biomining in Nevada with engineered microbes

Engineering cattle microbiomes to reduce methane emissions in American agriculture.

Each case study draws from a technical milestone in the roadmap. The case studies were selected to highlight a broad range of outcomes and consequences of using engineering approaches to address climate and sustainability challenges. The case studies aim to serve as an opportunity to spur proactive collaboration between technical researchers, social scientists, and other stakeholders.

For more information about this workshop or the roadmap, please contact Sifang Chen (schen@ebrc.org) or Becky Mackelprang (bmackelprang@ebrc.org).

Interim Report: Climate and Sustainability Roadmap

Publication Date: November 2021

This roadmap identifies research opportunities for adaptation and mitigation that respond to the urgency of the climate crisis, explores ambitious research goals for precipitating a greener future, and discusses the ethical and social considerations for engineering biology for a robust and resilient climate and long-term sustainability.

Convention on Biological Diversity 2021 RFI

Publication Date: June 2021

EBRC’s response to the request from the Executive Secretariat to comment on the Convention on Biological Diversity Technical Series on Synthetic Biology to reflect advances in the rapidly growing field. As the regulatory landscape around synthetic biology emerges, it is crucial that these discussions are guided by science and expertise. In our submission, we provide detailed comments solicited and synthesized from our members— an international community of experts in synthetic biology from academia and industry.

Guiding Ethical Principles in Engineering Biology Research

Publication Date: May 2021 | Originally published in ACS Synthetic Biology.

This publication introduces and contextualizes the EBRC Statement of Ethics in Engineering Biology Research. In brief, the six core principles are i) to use engineering biology to benefit the world; ii) to weigh benefits of research against potential harms; iii) to incorporate justice into all aspects of engineering biology; iv) to share research; v) to protect the freedoms of individuals and researchers; and vi) to support open communication between researchers and other stakeholders.

Engineering Biology & Materials Science

Publication Date: January 2021

This technical roadmap assesses the challenges and potential for innovation at the intersection of engineering biology and materials science. The roadmap provides a high-level path for research and development to enable a future of advanced materials and envisions creative and ambitious material solutions to persistent societal challenges that leverage the opportunities and advantages of harnessing and integrating engineered biology.

NSF RFI on 2022-2026 Strategic Plan

Publication Date: January 2021

EBRC responds to the National Science Foundation’s Request for Information on its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. EBRC addresses i) interests, values, and emerging science and policy issues; ii) US leadership in research and education; and iii) how the Strategic Plan can demonstrate the importance of fundamental research to the Nation.

Engineering Microbiomes – Looking Ahead

Publication Date: December 2021 | Originally published in ACS Synthetic Biology.

A companion piece to Microbiome Engineering, this publication highlights the technologies and applications imagined by the roadmap. This publication features a focus on the Distributed Metabolism technical theme and provides compelling examples of how engineered microbiomes might contribute to foods, human health, and transforming the environment.

National Defense Education Program 2021 RFI

Publication Date: August 2020

EBRC’s response to a Request for Information on behalf of the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) from the U.S. Department of Defense for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering). This response: i) details the current status and limitations of the U.S. biotechnochnology education and workforce; ii) describes skillsets and capabilities needed for the future biotechnology workforce; iii) describes existing programs and models that can be leveraged or applied to support biotechnology education and workforce development, and the education levels where this would most impact; iv) recommends how to encourage the participation of minority and under-represented groups in biotechnology; and, v) describes metrics to measure progress and the level of investment necessary to ensure advancement.

Microbiome Engineering

Publication Date: October 2020

This technical roadmap is a critical assessment of the current state of microbiome engineering and areas of anticipated research and development in the next twenty years. It also details how those scientific advancements can be applied across different industry sectors. Microbiome Engineering: A Research Roadmap for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy aims to provide a forward-looking examination of both the short- and long-term needs for microbiome engineering, to help scientists and policymakers fully utilize microbiome engineering.

Ilenne Del Valle Kessra

Ilenne is a postdoctoral researcher in the Eckert lab at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in the Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology program at Rice University in the Silberg (Biosciences) and Masiello (Earth Sciences) labs. Her research studies plant-microbe-soil interactions using synthetic biology tools for sustainable biofuel production. Ilenne is a member of the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association Board and works as the liaison to the Policy and International Engagement group. She is a strong supporter of empowering STEM women and minorities. She is also passionate about SciArt and public outreach.

Enabling Defense Applications through Engineering Biology

Publication Date: June 2020

This technical roadmap describes opportunities and advantages in engineering biology to build new materials for diverse systems, enable new methods for sensing, monitoring, and communicating, protect humans from harsh environments and combat mission states, and build resilience to evolving threats.

Engineering Biology

Publication Date: June 2019

EBRC’s inaugural roadmap, Engineering Biology: A Research Roadmap for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy, is a critical assessment of the status and potential of engineering biology. It is intended to provide researchers and other stakeholders (including government funders) with a compelling set of technical challenges and opportunities in the near and long term. The roadmap does so through four technical themes encompassing fundamental research and five application sectors tackling significant societal challenges.

HHS RFI on Review and Revision of the Screening Framework Guidance

Publication Date: October 2020

Many synthetic DNA synthesis companies screen their customers and the sequences they order in accordance with Guidance from the US Department of Health and Human Services. However, current guidance was issued in 2010 and thus is out of date. EBRC’s response to this RFI describes important considerations for updating the Guidance.