Thinking BioSynthEthically

Research involving Synthetic Biologic and the dissemination of its findings stimulate discussions in a context of risks, due to emergence of new genetic circuits and organisms. Thus, a basic question arises in this area: how to deal with new technoscientific processes? Moreover, there is a recurring concern related to the socio economic reach of these scientific discoveries. (PARENS; JOHNSTON; MOSES, 2009).

Such discussions can be analyzed from two different, but complementary perspectives: the academic and the community. The individuals included in the academic field are also part of the community and are responsible to bridge the gap between these two realities by introducing the scientific discoveries. Thus, people in academia are extremely important in the process of scientific construction of Synthetic Biology by being active agents and disseminators of SynBio findings, familiarizing the community with the field. Nevertheless, the effective preparation of researchers to deal with ethical discussions involving Synbio needs to get more attention from college education.

It is possible to apply Bioethics concepts to create panoramas that solve conflicts involving Synthetic Biology (Gutmann et al , 2010). Intervention Bioethics is the most applicable to the technoscientific innovations produced by Synthetic Biology and its ethical and philosophical dilemmas regarding the need for protection (either of the environment, of animals or of economically disadvantaged populations).

Intervention Bioethics embraces the concept of protecting the basic principles of bioethics described by Beauchamp and Childress, guiding the discussions around situations consistent with the socioeconomic and political reality of underdeveloped countries. (GARRAFA ; PORTO , 2003). Therefore, utilizing such approach fits into the political, economic and social situation experienced by Brazil today.

Thus, bioethics presents a decisive role so that the risks and benefits involved in SynBio research can be evaluated, reflected and discussed among academics who may eventually work in the area, so that they are able to lead the community to Synthetic Biology research filled with social and ethical concepts. Therefore, the characterization of individuals in Synbio bioethics concepts allows the detection of discrepancies to be translated in theoretical and practical training to bring a broader approach to this field of knowledge.

Instigating Questions

We sought to characterize the Brazilian academic community through a questionnaire. The form is subdivided into two sections: the first aims to identify how respondents relate to the concept of science (Q.6 , Q.7 , Q.8 , Q.9 , Q.10 , Q.11 ); while the second aims to evaluate how concepts of Intervention Bioethics are embedded in decision-making of respondents (Q. 13).

Question 13 aims to expose a situation in which the respondents are placed in a decision-making position. Each item of question 13 was elaborated using concepts that are based in aspects of Intervention Bioethics (BOTTLE , 2005). We highlight below what each item sought to privilege : "a" - a precaution ; " B " - equity; " C " - distributive justice ; " D " - protection ; " And " - non- maleficence ; " F " - autonomy; " G " - biosafety ; " H " - charity

The Questionnaire

ClickHERE to answer the questionnaire

COnsent Form

This research aims to characterize the academic community view of Synthetic Biology and to analyze how Bioethics influences scientific decision-making process. Then, Bioethics topics for educational purposes will be proposed according to the needs of this population. The first step is to answer the following questionnaire within a two week period. This questionnaire explores your views on how science and bioethics are related and how they influence decision making in Synthetic Biology research. Participants may feel uncomfortable with some of the questions. The benefits expected from this research are theoretical and practical training of the academic community on bioethics educational topics applied to Synthetic Biology, according to this community needs. Therefore, we aim a social approach of Synthetic Biology. You are allowed to ask questions and any further clarification, in addition to asking for new information if needed, simply by contacting any of the researchers in the Brasil-USP iGEM team or any Board of Ethics. You have secured your right to not participate or to withdraw your consent form any time without any prejudice or retaliation. The information from this questionnaire is confidential: there is no identification of volunteers, ensuring the confidentiality of their participation. We emphasize that there won’t be any compensation to participants involved in this research, since the participation is totally voluntary.

How old are you

Q1. Where are you from?

Q2. Which category do you fit in?Undergrad (specify: freshman, sophomore, junior or senior), Grad student, Researcher, Professor, etc)

Q3. What is your field of study?

• Math and Engineering
• Biological Sciences
• Humanities
• Other

Q4. Gender: