Introduction to the Project
On Dec. 16, 2010, the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues released a report entitled New Directions: The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies. The report contained 18 recommendations designed to help ensure that, as synthetic biology advances, the risks and ethical concerns are proactively addressed, the public is continually engaged, and oversight mechanisms are assessed and adjusted as needed to protect public health and the environment.
The report provides a rare opportunity for government to work together with other institutions, stakeholders, and citizens, both domestically and internationally, to ensure the responsible development of synthetic biology. The purpose of this website is to encourage broad participation in achieving the goals set forth by the Commission, to track our progress, and to invite public comment on the goals and implementation activities.
Most of the Commission’s goals are included on this website and have been clustered into six sections: risk assessment, oversight, coordination, research, education and ethics. Within each section, the specific recommendations are provided with a list of relevant activities. Public comments are welcomed and these will be edited and posted on a regular basis.
