Events

  • [CANCELLED] Malice Analysis, Rice University

    The Engineering Biology Research Consortium’s Malice Analysis workshop at Rice University on April 1, 2020 has been cancelled to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    We appreciate your interest. Feel free to reach out to EBRC at helix@ebrc.org if you would like more information on security in engineering biology.

    Biology is easier than ever to engineer. This reality requires researchers to take proactive steps to consider the security implications of their work. The Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) is holding an interactive workshop to help you identify potentially malicious applications of your work, mitigation options, and what to do if you identify something and don’t know how to proceed. This four-hour, technically-focused workshop will include plenary presentations and discussion and small group analysis of participant projects. Refreshments will be served culminating with lunch as part of the final debrief. Participants that complete all aspects of the workshop will receive a certificate of completion which can be noted on your CV.

    This workshop is supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under Grant Award Number, 2017‐ST‐108‐FRG002.

  • [VIRTUAL] Writing Workshop: An EBRC Roadmap for Microbiome Engineering

    Participation in this workshop is by invitation only.

    Registration for this workshop is now closed. Please contact roadmap@ebrc.org for more information.

    As a follow-up to EBRC’s 2019 roadmap Engineering Biology, we are developing a technical research roadmap for microbiome engineering, to be published in Summer 2020. Microbiomes have the capacity to substantially influence their environment in novel ways, and therefore engineering and applying these technologies has broad implications for industry, agriculture, medicine, and other biotechnology sectors. Our primary technical themes focus on spatial and temporal microbiome engineering, stably engineering ecological diversity, and engineering cooperative biosynthesis of compounds to facilitate novel biochemistry.

    This (now virtual) writing workshop will be a critical opportunity to elaborate on and refine the technical content of the roadmap, and discuss the application and impacts of engineered microbiomes. Workshop activities are expected to include:

    • Plenary discussion of existing technical themes, goals, and breakthrough capabilities;
    • Breakout groups to detail technical milestones, and accompanying Bottlenecks and Potential Solutions;
    • Breakout groups to draft and revise application sector content, with a particular focus on Health & Medicine, Energy, and Industrial Biotechnology; and
    • Plenary and breakout group review of material.

    Agenda

  • [VIRTUAL] Writing Workshop: An EBRC Roadmap for Materials Engineering

    Participation in this virtual workshop is by invitation only. Please contact roadmap@ebrc.org for more information.

    As a follow-up to EBRC’s 2019 roadmap Engineering Biology, we are developing a technical research roadmap for materials from engineering biology, to be published in Summer 2020, focusing on technologies related to:

    • The structure and functionality of biological and inorganic materials,
    • Production of novel and defined biopolymers,
    • Engineering cells and consortia to produce challenging natural materials and compounds, and
    • Tools and technologies for the production of living materials that incorporate  cells to sustain active and responsive behaviors.

    The roadmap will also address applying these technologies, with broad implications for industry, agriculture, medicine, and other biotechnology sectors.

    This writing workshop will be a critical opportunity to create the goals, objectives, and milestones of a roadmap for materials from engineering biology, and to articulate the impact of engineering biology applied to novel materials. Workshop activities are expected to include:

    • Plenary discussions addressing scope, high-level goals and challenges, and appropriateness of milestones;
    • Breakout groups to draft and revise content specific to technical themes and/or application spaces; and
    • Plenary and breakout group review of material.

    Agenda

  • Writing Workshop: An EBRC Roadmap for Microbiomes Engineering

    Participation in this workshop is by invitation only. Please contact roadmap@ebrc.org for more information.

    Draft Agenda Workshop Documents Folder

    Microbiomes have the capacity to substantially influence their environment in novel ways, and therefore engineering and applying these technologies has broad implications for industry, agriculture, medicine, and other biotechnology sectors.

    This writing workshop will be a critical opportunity to refine the scope, topics, and themes of a roadmap for microbiome engineering, and to create the technical content of the roadmap. Workshop activities are expected to include:

    • Plenary discussions addressing scope, high-level goals and challenges, and appropriateness of milestones;
    • Breakout groups to draft and revise content specific to technical themes and/or application spaces; and
    • Plenary and breakout group review of material.

  • Malice Analysis, University of Washington

    Register Here

    Biology is easier than ever to engineer. This reality requires researchers to take proactive steps to consider the security implications of their work. The Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) is holding an interactive workshop to help you identify potentially malicious applications of your work, mitigation options, and what to do if you identify something and don’t know how to proceed. This four-hour, technically-focused workshop will include plenary presentations and discussion and small group analysis of participant projects. Refreshments will be served culminating with lunch as part of the final debrief. Participants that complete all aspects of the workshop will receive a certificate of completion which can be noted on your CV.

    This workshop is supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under Grant Award Number, 2017‐ST‐108‐FRG002.

  • Malice Analysis, Colorado State University

    Biology is easier than ever to engineer. This reality requires researchers to take proactive steps to consider the security implications of their work. The Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) is holding an interactive workshop to help you identify potentially malicious applications of your work, mitigation options, and what to do if you identify something and don’t know how to proceed. This four-hour, technically-focused workshop will include plenary presentations and discussion and small group analysis of participant projects.  Participants that complete all aspects of the workshop will receive a certificate of completion which can be noted on your CV.

    Tuesday, December 8, 2020
    1:00-5:00 PM Mountain Time, 12:00-4:00 PM Pacific Time

    Register Here

    Malice Analysis: Colorado State is being hosted by CSU faculty to better build and support a local security community in Colorado. Thus, this Malice Analysis workshop will preferentially accept participants from the Fort Collins area. However, all are welcome to register and will be admitted based on availability and registration date. Additional workshops will also be forthcoming. Contact Helix@ebrc.org, if you’re interested in hosting a virtual Malice Analysis workshop for your institution.

    This workshop is supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under Grant Award Number, 2017‐ST‐108‐FRG002.

  • Synbio Manufacturing Innovation Institute Stakeholders Meeting

    The EBRC is hosting a Synbio MII Stakeholders Meeting on January 24, 2020 in Houston, TX. We will outline our general vision for the institute and discuss community needs. Specifically, we will host a dialogue on Membership & Structure, R&D Planning, Institute Capacity Needs, Location, IP & Data Sharing, and Workforce Development. We will use input from this meeting to draft a framework of the Institute for community feedback, continued dialogue, and ultimately to create of a strong, proposing team.

    As outlined in the U.S. Department of Defense recent Request for Information and Notice of Intent, the FOA will request the Synbio MII focus on innovations in biomanufacturing non-biomedical products, be structured to address both DoD and commercial applications, and focus on maturing technologies from TRL 4 to 7.

    Read our Dear Colleagues Letter

    This meeting is open to relevant biomanufacturing stakeholders and is subject to capacity limits. Organizations not US-owned and operated inside the United States should contact SynbioMII@ebrc.org prior to registering. Advance registration is required.

    Update (17 Jan): Registration is nearly at capacity. If you would like to participate, please email SynbioMII@ebrc.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.

    Updated Meeting AgendaRead our Q&A

    IMPORTANT DATES

    • January 17, 2020 – Last day to register, if we don’t reach capacity beforehand.
    • January 24, 2020 – Meeting will run from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. (We recommend a departing flight after 5:30 PM to fully participate)

    WORKSHOP VENUE & HOST HOTEL INFORMATION:

    Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental 
    18700 John F Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX 77032 | 281-443-2310

    Negotiated room rate: $159/night plus taxes/fees [A link will be provided when your registration is accepted.]

    Point of Contact

    You may contact the EBRC Team at SynbioMII@ebrc.org

  • NSTC Interagency Synthetic Biology Workshop

    This workshop is an invitation-only event.

    Venue & Registration

    Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

    5701 Marinelli Road, Rockville, MD 20852

    Secure Online Event Registration

    Meeting Overview

    This workshop is the beginning of an exercise across federal agencies that fund synthetic biology to coordinate activities and look for opportunities that will catalyze the science and technology in this space.  As such, the workshop is designed around a set of workshop case studies and the EBRC Roadmap.

    Please see the workshop goals to learn more about the workshop objectives.

    Workshop the attendees include approximately 30 experts from academia and industry and 30-50 policy makers and subject matter experts from inside the US government.

    Please send any questions to helix@ebrc.org.

    Agenda & Other Materials

    Agenda

    Workshop Goals

    Workshop Case Studies

    Case Studies: Biomanufacturing

    Case Studies: Bioenergy Agriculture

    Case Studies: Medicine

    Case Studies: Cellular Factories

  • SBA 2019 Conference – Synthetic Biology Australasia (SBA)

    SBA2019 will be held Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th October 2019 in sunny Brisbane, Australia.The conference will provide a forum for academic and industry researchers to present the latest research findings and describe emerging technologies and directions in synthetic biology. Leading international and Australian scientists will present, and we have a strong commitment to providing presentation opportunities for early and mid-career researchers. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking, and we invite scientists from all related disciplines to attend.The program includes both biophysical and social science, as well as industry presentations.

    We encourage submissions across a range of biophysical science topics, including (but not limited to): genetic circuitry, high throughput engineering, pathways and products, metabolic engineering, tools, computational synbio, iGEM, etc.; as well as application areas including diagnostics, health, environment, agriculture, food, and commercialisation. In the social sciences, submissions are encouraged in areas including (but not limited to): psychology, behavioural economics, bioethics, bioart, sociology, anthropology, legal studies, science & technology in society, responsible innovation, and ethics.

    SBA 2019 is co-hosted by The University of Queensland (through the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology) and the CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform. We have partnered with the Australian Academy of Science to support an ECR Forum on Synthetic Biology Commercialisation.

    SBA members get substantial discounts on registration; ECRs (student and post-doc) members of SBA are eligible to apply for travel awards of $250 (membership can be purchased here). Registration places are limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to welcoming you in Brisbane!

  • 2nd Annual Synthetic Biology Congress

    Over 600 senior-level delegates representing internationally renowned research & academic institutions, clinical research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

    Over 20 case studies and presentations demonstrating the latest synthetic biology tools and their therapeutic applications.

    Including 2 interactive streams:

    Synthetic Biology – Tool Design & Development
    Synthetic Biology – Evaluating Applications

    View Agenda: https://www.oxfordglobal.co.uk/syntheticbiology-congress/download-agenda/

    Free Live Webinar
    Machine Learning for and by Synthetic Biology
    Presented by Jean-Loup Faulon, Director, Institute of Systems & Synthetic Biology iSSB and Professor, University of Manchester
    Tuesday October 8th 2019, 9:30am BST
    Register Now & Receive Free Recording: https://bit.ly/2JvoY8C

    For further information, contact b.copeman@oxfordglobal.co.uk

    Go Social: Follow @xgenseq and join the congress conversation on #GENSERIESUK19
    Follow Linked In group and network with industry and academic peers

  • EBRC 2019 Global Forum for Engineering Biology: Initial Review of Synthetic Biology National Strategies

    This workshop is an invitation-only event.

    VENUE

    Chaminade Resort & Spa 

    One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    MEETING OVERVIEW

    The EBRC Global Forum is an international summit on national synthetic biology roadmaps and strategies. Our goal is to bring together leading representatives from more than 15 countries with active synthetic biology national strategies, programs, and roadmaps. It is an opportunity for international leaders in the field to present and discuss national strategies for synthetic or engineering biology in a relaxed, not-for-attribution forum.

    The agenda of two full days includes plenary sessions to exchange information and to review key international and national trends, developments, and themes shaping engineering biology strategies and policies worldwide. We will also hold discussions focused on the common elements, opportunities and challenges for collaborative activities and initiatives that will advance synthetic biology/engineering biology as a global enterprise and exploration into the creation of a virtual and ongoing Global Forum for Engineering Biology.

    The Forum is an invitation-only event to be held at the Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Registration fee includes hotel accommodations, meals, and a reception.

    TRAVEL INFORMATION

    The closest airports are San Jose International Airport – SJC (34 miles) or San Francisco International Airport – SFO (62 miles).

    Ground transportation to and from SJC or SFO:

    Sub Shuttle (www.subshuttle.com) +1-866-256-8182

    Santa Cruz On Time Airport Car (www.santacruzontimeairportshuttle.com) +1-831-421-9999

    Blue Water Limo (www.bluewater.limo) +1-831-477-0170

    Santa Cruz Airport Flyer (www.santacruzflyer.com)  +1- 831-423-5937

  • [VIRTUAL] EBRC 2020 Annual Meeting

    While we are disappointed that we have been forced to cancel our annual meeting in Houston, we would like to take advantage of the blocked time on your calendar by conducting a number of activities, including our Working Group meetings, in a virtual format. These meetings will be held consecutively to facilitate participation by any members that care to join. We encourage any and all of you to listen in to those working groups that may be of interest to you. This is a great opportunity to get involved with what we’re doing. Below is full list of EBRC activities including:

    • Working Group Meetings
    • Student and Postdoc Association SBIR Workshop
    • Virtual Seminar Series
    • Review of an EBRC ethics statement
    • Virtual Poster Session

    Here are the schedule and registration links for the Working Group meetings and SPA workshop:

    Thursday, April 2nd

    Friday, April 3rd

    Please use the links to register for the meeting or meetings you intend to attend. A calendar invite containing an agenda and ZOOM information for each event will follow shortly.

    SPA Workshop/Panel:
    How to Apply for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Grant

    Are you a graduate student or postdoc interested in entrepreneurship or looking to commercialize your research? Join the SPA for a panel on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a federal program that provides funding for startups and small businesses to engage in innovative research and development with commercialization potential. Our panel features Dr. Erik Pierstorff (SBIR/STTR Program Director at the National Science Foundation), Dr. Rachel Jordan (Research Scientist at Lynntech, Inc.), and Dr. Michael Heffernan (Principal at Fannin Innovation Studio).

    Weekly Seminar Series:
    In order to supplement the departmental seminars that have been cancelled in recent days, the EBRC will be holding a Weekly Seminar Series. We will be reaching out to the speakers we had scheduled for the annual meeting to begin building the program. But please feel free to connect me with colleagues interested in speaking to us, EBRC members or not. The times will be Tuesdays at 11:00 AM (PDT) one week, and Wednesdays at 1:00 PM (PDT) the following week, alternating for the duration of the program. This alternating schedule will allow the majority of members to attend at least every other week, despite class schedules. A schedule of dates and speakers will be published on ebrc.org prior to the virtual meetings.

    EBRC Ethic Statement:
    The EBRC Security Working Group has been developing an Ethics statement for the Consortium. The statement as well as background and framing information will be distributed on Friday March 20, 2020. We request that the other Working Groups dedicate some portion of their time to reviewing and commenting on this statement. The Security Working Group will address comments and work with Working Group Chairs and interested parties to produce a “final” version to be socialized with the whole of the membership prior to publication on the website. We look forward to your input and comments.

    Virtual Poster Session:
    In lieu of a poster session at the Annual Meeting, we are organizing a virtual “poster hall” that will be available from March 31 through April 3. Presenters will be asked to send a poster PDF or 4-5 PowerPoint slides to helix@ebrc.org by 11:59 PM PDT on March 29. Alternative media formats (e.g., a 5-min Zoom presentation or Prezi presentation) are welcome as supplements. On March 31, links to view posters on Google Drive will be provided to those who register for the poster session. By managing permission settings for viewing the posters, we aim to limit dissemination beyond those associated with our meeting. However, we recognize that some may not feel comfortable with unpublished work being available online, even to a restricted group. If that is the case, presenters should focus their posters on previously published data.

    On Thursday April 2 after the working group meetings, we will host a live poster session using Zoom. Presenters will be divided into small groups (3-4 people) and assigned to a Zoom discussion room. Attendees will be able to enter rooms to speak with poster presenters.

    General instructions about the ZOOM platform will be distributed shortly. Specifics on the working group sessions will be sent out by the chairs of those groups prior to the meeting. We look forward to your participation in moving forward the goals of our field.

  • Department of Defense Security Workshop

  • 6th International Mammalian Synthetic Biology Workshop

    The Sixth International Mammalian Synthetic Biology Workshop (mSBW 6.0), will be held at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL (near Chicago) on the weekend of May 18-19, 2019. The mSBW series has grown to become a signature worldwide event. This event brings pioneers of synthetic biology together with experts from other relevant fields to highlight and inspire cutting-edge synthetic biology research, emphasizing both basic and applied science. The workshop format will provide a forum for exposition of the latest developments in the field and discussions of how experts from related fields can benefit from and contribute to mammalian synthetic biology. New features include a pre-conference tutorial series on the afternoon of Friday May 17, 2019, aimed at graduate students, postdocs, and faculty who are new to mammalian synthetic biology and wish to learn relevant techniques and scientific and technological fundamentals.

  • SynBioBeta 2019: The Global Synthetic Biology Summit

    SynBioBeta is where tech meets bio and bio meets tech. Meet the innovators and companies, find new opportunities, partner up and discover the potential of the biological industrial revolution. Join attendees on October 1-3, 2019 in San Francisco to see how synthetic biology is disrupting consumer products, food, agriculture, medicine, chemicals, materials, and more.

  • EBRC Spring 2019 Retreat

    EBRC hosts periodic membership retreats to discuss the latest research in engineering biology, the work ongoing in our focus areas, and enable in-person engagement in our community. Registration is now closed.

    Check out the agenda to see what we’re up to. Logged in members can download a PDF of the abstract book.

    Agenda

    • Back to top ⇑