Who Are We?

SynBio.Oxford is the Oxford University Society of Synthetic Biology. We promote Synthetic Biology within Oxford University and the wider region, while also acting as a bridge between students and academics. Our aims include:

  • Fostering collaboration between SynBio community members including students, university staff, research institutes, industry and the public.
  • Raising awareness about Synthetic Biology. This includes current endeavours, recent discoveries, future applications, and ethical issues that may be raised.
  • Nurturing the next generation of Synthetic Biologists. We direct undergraduate students interested in Synthetic Biology towards the opportunities available to them in industry and academia after graduation.

    • What is synthetic biology?

    Synthetic Biology is a highly interdisciplinary field requiring collaboration between biologists, engineers, chemists and more. At its core, SynBio is “the design and engineering of biologically based parts, novel devices and systems as well as the redesign of existing, natural biological systems” (UK synthetic biology roadmap). The applications of such novel devices and systems are broad and ever-evolving, with some examples being industrial enzymes, biofuel development, diagnostics and therapeutics.

    What do we do?

    We hold talks with academics conducting synthetic biology talks, and have termly panels on certain fields within SynBio, integrating perspectives from academia, industry and venture capital. We also host socials and networking events for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.