Synthetic biology, an emerging area of scientific research, promises cheaper and faster routes to drugs, biofuel, and new materials for medical applications. However, synthetic biology also provokes controversy because it aims to ‘engineer biology’.

Join University of Bristol scientists, Dek Woolfson, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Dr Ainsley Newson, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Ethics, for a free public talk tomorrow [26 November] to discuss the issues surrounding this area of science.

Professor Woolfson explains: “Synthetic biology is very much about ambitious goals in research at the interface between the physical and life sciences. This means not simply doing what we can do, but trying things that extend our grasp and understanding of biology. Since taking the synthetic-biology approach it has forced us to gain a better understanding of biological systems before attempting to mimic or engineer them."

The talk entitled ‘Synthetic biology: hope and hype’ is being held from 7 pm on Thursday 26 November at Explore-At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5JG. Admission is free, but places must be booked in advance by contacting Explore-At-Bristol, tel 0845 345 1235 or tel 0117 915 5000.