1. Science development, ethics and communication; The power of framing Synthetic Biology
By Annemarie van Paassen
Knowledge Technology & Innovation group
Wageningen University

2. Ethics education as part of a course on inter-and transdisicplinary research and the role of communication experts
One week, full time course item:
Day 1: Introduction Biosynthetic Biology from life science perspective
Day 2: The present knowledge and perspective of the public on syntehtic biology + Ethical reflection on science development and life science communication: the power of framing
Day 3: Principles of responsible innovation
Day 4: Design of ethical reflection by citizens on development synthetic biology (consensus conference)
Day 5: Role play of best designed consensus conference; reflection on design, facilitation and outcome

3. Day two, The power of framing Synthetic Biology
Content presentation
New science and the need for public debate
Actual framing of Synthetic Biology
What comparators for framing the public debate
What role for life science communication experts?

4. Synthetic Biology and public debate (Torgerson & Schmidt, 2013)
Emerging technologies: technical & economic benefits, security, safety & ethical aspects
Public debate to rationally deal with conflicts, and how to deal with it. (instrumental, normative & sustantive reason)
Organised ethical debates <->outside public debate
Every debate is subject of dominant frame, determining expectations, what is considered relevant and form of argumentation that is deemed legitimate
(Risk frame, ethical frame of playing God, economic & fairness frame)

5. The role of methaphors and frames creating understanding of the field
Synthetic Biology Explained: Putting the engineering back into genetic engineering (6:34 minutes)
What is Synthetic Biology?: Engineering life and livelihoods (10:42 minutes),
Question posed:
Identify methafors and analogies
What is the message and frame displayed
Would the video’s be useful as communication instruments in a campaign to promote public understanding of this new field?

6. Metaphors Video 1: Synthetic Biology Explained: Putting the engineering back into genetic engineering
Cut & paste/photocopied fragments
Printed code letter by letter, modelled on computers
Programming language
Industrial inkjet printer
Software builds hardware
Lego like functional components
Open source catalogue of 5000 standardised components: biobricks
Order it via internet

7. Metaphors 2: Engineering life and livelihoods

8. Role of framing (and Life science communication experts)
Video 1: Analogy with information technology, controlled use Lego bricks, unpreceded development potential
Video 2: extreme genetic engineering with high uncertainty & consequences poor agricultural producers.
What will or should be the main comparator: analogy other technologies influencing public’s imagination, framing, reflection and acceptance

9. Comparators for. Synthetic Biology Public debate
Comparators for Synthetic Biology Public debate (Torgerson & Schmidt, 2013)
Biotechnology: Risk frame GM food and agressive exploitation big businesses of natural resources. Playing God _> biosafety & bioterror attacks. SB no strong objections as not yet impinged on food.
Nanotechnology: early public engagement and concerns directly adressed by research. EC Responsible Research & Innovation, reaping technology promising competitive advantage
Computer Technology: powerful ‘cool’ technology (gen- based informatics, gadget such as glowing plant). Amongst researchers IT frame is prominent, democratic Do-It-Yourself science (e.g. iGEM)

10. Framing and public debate SB?
What would you as life science communication expert do, with what effect?

11. Framing and public debate SB?
What would you as life science communication expert do? Why, with what envisaged effect?
IT related framing, downplaying uncertainties
Early, though tough, engagement of public in ethical debate for responsible innovation trajectory?
Highlight Synthetic biology as advanced Biotechnology, to stimulate strong outside debate?