SCN Public Engagement - Training early career researchers

2 November 2011

In collaboration with the Centre for Public Engagement at the University of Bristol and the local science centre, At-Bristol, the Network provided training in public engagement to early career researchers working in Synthetic Biology.

The two day event included the opportunity to have hands-on experience working with the public and also an evening discussion where the Network PI, Professor Dek Woolfson and Dr Ainsley Newson, biomedical ethics researcher, explored the issues that may arise from this new and emerging technology. The researchers that participated in the training had the chance to practice the skills and methods obtained during the day on both sessions.

SCN believes that is important not only to present outcomes of research but actively engage in a dialogue with the public; discuss the ethical, legal and social aspects of Synthetic Biology research, alongside experts in public engagement who would help to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas.

With the objective of reaching a wider audience, the Network commissioned a video that explains the work of scientists working in this field and the role of the Network facilitating the exchange of ideas not only between scientists working in different fields of research associated with Synthetic Biology but most importantly communicating their research to the public. The SCN video is available in YouTube.

For more information regarding the Network activities including participation in public engagement events please email scn-mail@bristol.ac.uk