Emerging Threats of Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Addressing Security and Resilience Issues

• Other Authors: Trump, Benjamin D. (Editor), Florin, Marie-Valentine (Editor), Perkins, Edward (Editor), Linkov, Igor (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Nature 2021
• Series: NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security
• Subjects: Biomedical engineering; Environmental science, engineering & technology; International relations; Crime & criminology; Biotechnology; Environment law; Synthetic Biology Governance; Biotechnology Regulation; Environmental Sustainability; Energy Production; Risks and Applications; Risk Assessment; Human Health Risks; Environmental Health Risks; Open Access
• Online Access: OAPEN Library: download the publication; OAPEN Library: description of the publication

Synthetic biology is a field of biotechnology that is rapidly growing in various applications, such as in medicine, environmental sustainability, and energy production. However these technologies also have unforeseen risks and applications to humans and the environment. This open access book presents discussions on risks and mitigation strategies for these technologies including biosecurity, or the potential of synthetic biology technologies and processes to be deliberately misused for nefarious purposes. The book presents strategies to prevent, mitigate, and recover from 'dual-use concern' biosecurity challenges that may be raised by individuals, rogue states, or non-state actors. Several key topics are explored including opportunities to develop more coherent and scalable approaches to govern biosecurity from a laboratory perspective up to the international scale and strategies to prevent potential health and environmental hazards posed by deliberate misuse of synthetic biology without stifling innovation. The book brings together the expertise of top scholars in synthetic biology and biotechnology risk assessment, management, and communication to discuss potential biosecurity governing strategies and offer perspectives for collaboration in oversight and future regulatory guidance.