Societal aspects of synthetic biology: organisms and applications matter!

Abstract

Because the organisms, production, potential uses, and disposal practices associated with synthetic biology vary widely, so do the impacts and implications. This paper advocates that scholars crafting a research agenda and investigating societal aspects of synthetic biology do so in a way that is attentive to important specifics, such as the types of organisms involved and contexts in which synthetic organisms or biological systems will be used. Such specificity will strengthen analyses and enhance the credibility, utility, and, therefore, the impact of findings and recommendations.