As with any emerging technology, synthetic biology includes risks and benefits that vary depending on how the technology is applied. ANU is committed to responsible innovation to find the best path forward for Australia. 

Principles of responsible innovation

Responsible innovation considers how research and innovations can make change in the world. This includes considering both intended impacts and unintended risks, and taking a broad view that considers the environment, economy and society. 

Through consideration, workshopping, and community engagement, a clear idea of impacts is then used to inform how that research or innovation progresses. This often includes engaging at an early stage of design, to understand the outcomes and risks that are most important to communities. 

There are a range of Responsible Innovation tools available that can be used by researchers, government and industry. ANU has expertise in applying responsible innovation and can collaborate with you via the RI Lab. 

The RI Lab

The Responsible Innovation Lab (RI Lab) at ANU is bringing together a new interdisciplinary community of researchers and practitioners passionate about creating responsible solutions as they innovate. Based on campus at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS), 

The RI Lab invites academics and potential industry collaborators to connect with the team. Reach out here. 

Collaborating for impact

ANU is collaborating with CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, on their Responsible Innovation Platform. The Collaboration commenced in 2019 with postdoctoral fellowships focusing on responsible innovation as it applies to synthetic biology and precision health.

Read more: Public views towards synthetic biology and its applications to society