WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2010) – Achievement of a milestone in creating synthetic life in the form of a self-replicating cell from synthesized DNA has focused attention on the field of synthetic biology. Researchers, academics and business leaders will discuss the evolution of the technology and the ethics, regulation and the potential commercial uses of synthetic biology during the seventh annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, June 27-30, 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Brent Erickson, executive vice president for BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section, stated, “Recent breakthroughs in the field of synthetic biology are focusing increased attention not only on the commercial possibilities but also on the development of ethical guidelines and regulatory policies for the science. Successful early applications for biofuels and bioremediation of pollutants show the potential of synthetic biology as a tool of industrial biotechnology that can produce environmental benefits. The annual World Congress promises significant discussions and presentations on the practical aspects of synthetic biology research.”
Sessions from the track on Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering include:
Monday June 28
Synthetic Biology: The Difficult We Do Immediately, The Impossible Takes a Little Longer 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
• Kevin Jarrell, Modular Genetics, Inc.
• Marcel Wubbolts, DSM, NV
• Lori Giver, Codexis, Inc
Creating the Super Strain: How Metabolic Engineering Will Drive the Future of Advanced Fuels 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Dan Robertson, Joule Unlimited, Inc.
• Stephen del Cardayré, LS9, Inc.
• Balu Sarma, Praj Matrix - A Division of Praj Industries Ltd.
Tuesday, June 29
Ethical, Social, and Policy Issues of Synthetic Biology 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Paula Olsiewski, The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
• Thomas Murray, The Hastings Center, Inc.
• David Rejeski, The Woodrow Wilson Center
• Michele Garfinkel, J. Craig Venter Institute
Wednesday, June 30
Bioremediation
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Thomas Videbaek, Novozymes
• Muhammad Asghar, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
• Sudhir Meshram, Rajiv Gandhi Biotechnology Centre, R. T. M. Nagpur University
• James Burns, Bionavitas, Inc
The annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing – co-organized by BIO, BIOTECanada, and the U.S. Department of Energy – is the original and only conference dedicated solely to industrial biotechnology and the most recent advancements in the field. Early-bird registration ends April 14, 2010. Visit www.bio.org/worldcongress. Registration for the World Congress is now open and is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. All programs at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing are open to attendance by members of the media. Reporters and editors working full-time for print, broadcast, and online news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance. For more information, please visit http://bio.org/worldcongress/media/media_registration.asp.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
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