£5million investment in synthetic biology

The grant will also be used to establish a professional registry of biological parts and devices using a robotic data-collection pipeline for characterisation. The richer data that can be obtained will lead to improved mathematical modelling and in turn more predictable and reliable design and construction of the parts.

Professor Nik Rose, Head of the Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine at King’s, said: ‘A key dimension of our approach to the development of synthetic biology, recognised by the EPSRC, is the integration of responsible innovation from the very early stages of development of this emerging technology.

’We are delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring this. Social science expertise in social, political and ethical factors shaping translation pathways, the importance of recognition and management of risks and uncertainties, and the need for new technologies to deliver clear public benefits is crucial if the potential public benefits of synthetic biology are to be realised.’

Researchers from King’s Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine are working with social scientists at Edinburgh University as part of the project. The wider Consortium is currently working on a number of applications and is engaging with industry to commercialise potential products. Two of these are biosensors for testing arsenic in water and for the earlier detection of urinary tract infections.

Kedar Pandya, EPSRC Engineering Theme Leader, said: ‘Engineering research and leadership is critical to the further development of the UK’s synthetic biology sector. Engineering technology provides the necessary product standardisation, robustness and design. We will continue to grow the investment we make in this area so that the UK’s research base continues to be world-leading.’

For further please Anna Mitchell anna.i.mitchell [a] kcl.ac (p) uk or 0207 848 3092.