BrisSynBio: Bristol Centre for Synthetic Biology
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a new scientific discipline that aims to make the engineering of biological systems easier, more predictable and more reliable. Synthetic biologists aim to develop new techniques, technologies and reagents that will allow biological or biologically based products to be made easily, quickly and cheaply, and in sufficient quantities to make them useful. Advances in this area have the potential to provide us with new fuels, materials, diagnostics and medicines, and offer solutions to many of the major global challenges that we face today. For example providing sufficient food for the world's population and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
For synthetic biology to meet these challenges, however, will require the concerted efforts of large groups of scientists working together in teams combining their expertise, skills and knowledge. To achieve this we aim to establish BrisSynBio (BSB), a Bristol-based Synthetic Biology Research Centre, which will bring together a group of scientists from a range of different research backgrounds, e.g. biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering and robotics, mathematics and physics.
BSB researchers will combine their expertise in such a way that global challenges can be met and resolved. Examples of the type of work that BSB scientists will carry out include: modifying biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms such to produce new antibiotics; assembling virus-like particles to present new routes to vaccines; building simple cells from scratch for use in the production of important but sometimes toxic chemicals; using red blood cells to deliver complex molecules like anti-cancer drugs directly to tumours; and reprograming bacteria to perform useful tasks like sensing environmental pollutants.
Within the BSB, researchers will be organised into teams with complementary skills who will work together on these challenging projects. There will be lots of communication between the teams, and new and exciting research will emerge as a result. Teams will be linked together by cross-cutting themes to promote interdisciplinarity and exchange of ideas. To help foster and develop interactions further, BSB academics will attend monthly discussion meetings, and all BSB academics and researchers will attend monthly research seminars and an annual 2-day regional symposium.
The University of Bristol has recently invested heavily in new buildings and laboratory space, perfect for housing BSB. Now we need further investment to purchase the essential equipment that we will need to underpin and progress our research, and also to attract more scientists to expand synthetic-biology activities. We will also work in collaboration with a range of different project partners including researchers form around the world, the public and policy makers, and industrialists, such that we can maximise the impact of BrisSynBio.
Finally, synthetic biology is not without controversy, the notion of tinkering with biology and life does not sit comfortably with everyone. Therefore, it is very important that all BrisSynBio members are trained to consider the ethical, legal and social implications of their work, placing it in a broader societal context. To achieve this BSB members will be trained in responsible innovation and public engagement, and encouraged to put these new skills into practice through commercialising their work where appropriate, and at 6-monthly science cafes and public dialogues.
For synthetic biology to meet these challenges, however, will require the concerted efforts of large groups of scientists working together in teams combining their expertise, skills and knowledge. To achieve this we aim to establish BrisSynBio (BSB), a Bristol-based Synthetic Biology Research Centre, which will bring together a group of scientists from a range of different research backgrounds, e.g. biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering and robotics, mathematics and physics.
BSB researchers will combine their expertise in such a way that global challenges can be met and resolved. Examples of the type of work that BSB scientists will carry out include: modifying biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms such to produce new antibiotics; assembling virus-like particles to present new routes to vaccines; building simple cells from scratch for use in the production of important but sometimes toxic chemicals; using red blood cells to deliver complex molecules like anti-cancer drugs directly to tumours; and reprograming bacteria to perform useful tasks like sensing environmental pollutants.
Within the BSB, researchers will be organised into teams with complementary skills who will work together on these challenging projects. There will be lots of communication between the teams, and new and exciting research will emerge as a result. Teams will be linked together by cross-cutting themes to promote interdisciplinarity and exchange of ideas. To help foster and develop interactions further, BSB academics will attend monthly discussion meetings, and all BSB academics and researchers will attend monthly research seminars and an annual 2-day regional symposium.
The University of Bristol has recently invested heavily in new buildings and laboratory space, perfect for housing BSB. Now we need further investment to purchase the essential equipment that we will need to underpin and progress our research, and also to attract more scientists to expand synthetic-biology activities. We will also work in collaboration with a range of different project partners including researchers form around the world, the public and policy makers, and industrialists, such that we can maximise the impact of BrisSynBio.
Finally, synthetic biology is not without controversy, the notion of tinkering with biology and life does not sit comfortably with everyone. Therefore, it is very important that all BrisSynBio members are trained to consider the ethical, legal and social implications of their work, placing it in a broader societal context. To achieve this BSB members will be trained in responsible innovation and public engagement, and encouraged to put these new skills into practice through commercialising their work where appropriate, and at 6-monthly science cafes and public dialogues.
Technical Summary
The overarching goal of BrisSynBio will be to provide an intellectual and technical framework for innovative and collaborative research, facilitated by cutting-edge instrumentation. The focus will be on world-class fundamental science leading to transformative solutions to meet global challenges in healthcare, food security, and industrial biotechnology.
BSB comprises 21 Core and >20 Associate Members, organised in 3 Research Strands and 3 Cross-cutting Themes that reflect Bristol strengths, and the potential for growth in synthetic biology both locally and nationally. Across these, initial BSB activity will progress 9 multidisciplinary synergy projects. The Associate Membership will be expanded to broaden BSB's research base for future diversification and development of new projects. BSB support staff and fellows would be co-located in the new University of Bristol Life Sciences Building.
Over 5 years, BSB will support ~15 synthetic-biology synergy projects. Those outlined here account for ~2/3 of the funds requested, leaving ~1/3 for new projects. To ensure delivery on these and to enable future programmes, BSB research will be underpinned by existing and requested major facilities, e.g.: high-throughput liquid-handling robotics, NMR spectroscopy, and peptide synthesis; and high-performance computing. For added value and best practice, the new equipment would be co-located with existing equipment in Research Suites across 3 Faculties.
To build the synthetic-biology community, locally and regionally, BSB will establish research meetings, seminars and an annual symposium. BSB outreach activities would include: public engagement; training for research staff in public engagement and responsible innovation; and fostering links with local and national industry and SMEs. BSB would work closely with our partner South West universities; the Imperial-led IKC in Synthetic Biology; the Bristol-Oxford-Warwick CDT; and other Synthetic Biology Research Centres
BSB comprises 21 Core and >20 Associate Members, organised in 3 Research Strands and 3 Cross-cutting Themes that reflect Bristol strengths, and the potential for growth in synthetic biology both locally and nationally. Across these, initial BSB activity will progress 9 multidisciplinary synergy projects. The Associate Membership will be expanded to broaden BSB's research base for future diversification and development of new projects. BSB support staff and fellows would be co-located in the new University of Bristol Life Sciences Building.
Over 5 years, BSB will support ~15 synthetic-biology synergy projects. Those outlined here account for ~2/3 of the funds requested, leaving ~1/3 for new projects. To ensure delivery on these and to enable future programmes, BSB research will be underpinned by existing and requested major facilities, e.g.: high-throughput liquid-handling robotics, NMR spectroscopy, and peptide synthesis; and high-performance computing. For added value and best practice, the new equipment would be co-located with existing equipment in Research Suites across 3 Faculties.
To build the synthetic-biology community, locally and regionally, BSB will establish research meetings, seminars and an annual symposium. BSB outreach activities would include: public engagement; training for research staff in public engagement and responsible innovation; and fostering links with local and national industry and SMEs. BSB would work closely with our partner South West universities; the Imperial-led IKC in Synthetic Biology; the Bristol-Oxford-Warwick CDT; and other Synthetic Biology Research Centres
Planned Impact
1. TRAINING
BrisSynBio will recruit the most-promising early career researchers to its PDRA and Fellowship positions. Through its multidisciplinary projects, seminar programmes, outreach activities and courses, BSB will train them thoroughly in all aspects of synthetic biology. In addition, we will establish workshops and summer schools in allied synthetic-biology methods to provide training nationally. In this way, BSB will respond directly to the Roadmap recommendation "to build a skilled, energised synthetic biology community".
2. EXCHANGE OF SKILLS AND NEW WAYS OF WORKING
Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary subject, combing the life and physical sciences with engineering and modelling to improve design and engineering of biological systems. BSB will provide an exemplar to promote this new way of working. Its structure-with Research Strands, Themes and meetings-will facilitate this, allowing researchers to exchange ideas freely, and to develop new materials and methods together quickly to tackle ambitious and challenging research problems. Specifically, all projects will be undertaken by teams involving: multiple PIs and PDRAs working towards a common goal; both physical and life scientists; input from mathematical and/or molecular modelling; and be overseen by engineering "mentors".
3. EXPLOITATION
The above vision will naturally lead to projects diversifying in directions not envisaged from the outset. This will be managed by PIs and researchers to avoid projects becoming diffuse. This approach also brings with it new opportunities, for example leading to IP and consequently possibilities for licensing, spin outs, and entrepreneurship. Whilst we do not anticipate all projects leading to commercialisation, those that do will be supported fully through the Research and Enterprise Division, the Severnside Alliance for Translational Research, the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health, and links that we will foster with industry and SMEs. We will also use BSB as a mechanism to develop a synthetic-biology industrial hub to spark translation in a region that has a relatively low number of start-up and SMEs.
4. OUTREACH TO OTHER SYNTHETIC-BIOLOGY SCIENTISTS AND CENTRES
We envisage that the above will also benefit researchers and academics outside the BSB developing synthetic-biology programmes; similarly, we are keen to learn best practice from others. In addition to attendance at academic conferences nationally and overseas, BSB will use the following to reach out to other academics and industrialists to exchange these ideas:
(i) The PI, Woolfson, and Co-Is are already linked in to other UK synthetic-biology researchers through conferences and the previously funded Synthetic Biology Networks (Woolfson headed one of these). We will use these as a basis for cementing old links and fostering new ones.
(ii) Bristol is a partner in the recently funded, Imperial-led IKC in Synthetic Biology (SynbiCITE). This will be particularly useful for seeking out and developing industrial and SME partners for exploiting and translating BSB research findings.
(iii) Bristol is an equal partner with Oxford and Warwick in a CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) bid submitted to EPSRC. If funded, this will facilitate links between academics, the exchange of ideas and people, and the development of joint projects with the two other institutes.
(iv) Finally, the BSB Annual Symposium will provide a hub for activity in synthetic biology in the South West.
5. GENERAL OUTREACH AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Through the Synthetic Components Network and the Centre for Public Engagement, Bristol has been exemplary in public engagement in synthetic biology: it has hosted or contributed to science cafes, public lectures, live webcasts, the Public Dialogue, and the training of early career scientists in this area. It will build these activities through 6-monthly public dialogue events, with partners such as Explore@Bristol and ThinkTank.
BrisSynBio will recruit the most-promising early career researchers to its PDRA and Fellowship positions. Through its multidisciplinary projects, seminar programmes, outreach activities and courses, BSB will train them thoroughly in all aspects of synthetic biology. In addition, we will establish workshops and summer schools in allied synthetic-biology methods to provide training nationally. In this way, BSB will respond directly to the Roadmap recommendation "to build a skilled, energised synthetic biology community".
2. EXCHANGE OF SKILLS AND NEW WAYS OF WORKING
Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary subject, combing the life and physical sciences with engineering and modelling to improve design and engineering of biological systems. BSB will provide an exemplar to promote this new way of working. Its structure-with Research Strands, Themes and meetings-will facilitate this, allowing researchers to exchange ideas freely, and to develop new materials and methods together quickly to tackle ambitious and challenging research problems. Specifically, all projects will be undertaken by teams involving: multiple PIs and PDRAs working towards a common goal; both physical and life scientists; input from mathematical and/or molecular modelling; and be overseen by engineering "mentors".
3. EXPLOITATION
The above vision will naturally lead to projects diversifying in directions not envisaged from the outset. This will be managed by PIs and researchers to avoid projects becoming diffuse. This approach also brings with it new opportunities, for example leading to IP and consequently possibilities for licensing, spin outs, and entrepreneurship. Whilst we do not anticipate all projects leading to commercialisation, those that do will be supported fully through the Research and Enterprise Division, the Severnside Alliance for Translational Research, the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health, and links that we will foster with industry and SMEs. We will also use BSB as a mechanism to develop a synthetic-biology industrial hub to spark translation in a region that has a relatively low number of start-up and SMEs.
4. OUTREACH TO OTHER SYNTHETIC-BIOLOGY SCIENTISTS AND CENTRES
We envisage that the above will also benefit researchers and academics outside the BSB developing synthetic-biology programmes; similarly, we are keen to learn best practice from others. In addition to attendance at academic conferences nationally and overseas, BSB will use the following to reach out to other academics and industrialists to exchange these ideas:
(i) The PI, Woolfson, and Co-Is are already linked in to other UK synthetic-biology researchers through conferences and the previously funded Synthetic Biology Networks (Woolfson headed one of these). We will use these as a basis for cementing old links and fostering new ones.
(ii) Bristol is a partner in the recently funded, Imperial-led IKC in Synthetic Biology (SynbiCITE). This will be particularly useful for seeking out and developing industrial and SME partners for exploiting and translating BSB research findings.
(iii) Bristol is an equal partner with Oxford and Warwick in a CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) bid submitted to EPSRC. If funded, this will facilitate links between academics, the exchange of ideas and people, and the development of joint projects with the two other institutes.
(iv) Finally, the BSB Annual Symposium will provide a hub for activity in synthetic biology in the South West.
5. GENERAL OUTREACH AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Through the Synthetic Components Network and the Centre for Public Engagement, Bristol has been exemplary in public engagement in synthetic biology: it has hosted or contributed to science cafes, public lectures, live webcasts, the Public Dialogue, and the training of early career scientists in this area. It will build these activities through 6-monthly public dialogue events, with partners such as Explore@Bristol and ThinkTank.
Organisations
- University of Bristol (Lead Research Organisation, Project Partner)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Co-funder)
- Bruker Corporation (Collaboration)
- Newcastle University (Collaboration)
- UCB Pharma (Collaboration)
- University of Dundee (Collaboration)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- Syngenta International AG (Collaboration)
- Oracle Corporation (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) (Collaboration)
- University of Bristol (Collaboration)
- GlaxoSmithKline (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- UCB Pharma (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Syngenta (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Bruker (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Publications
Ravi S
(2019)
Optical Shading Induces an In-Plane Potential Gradient in a Semiartificial Photosynthetic System Bringing Photoelectric Synergy
in Advanced Energy Materials
Ravi S
(2020)
Bio-photocapacitive tactile sensors as a touch-to-audio braille reader and solar capacitor
in Materials Horizons
Rao S
(2020)
Characterizing Membrane Association and Periplasmic Transfer of Bacterial Lipoproteins through Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
in Structure (London, England : 1993)
Ranaghan KE
(2017)
Ab Initio QM/MM Modeling of the Rate-Limiting Proton Transfer Step in the Deamination of Tryptamine by Aromatic Amine Dehydrogenase.
in The journal of physical chemistry. B
Ranaghan KE
(2019)
Projector-Based Embedding Eliminates Density Functional Dependence for QM/MM Calculations of Reactions in Enzymes and Solution.
in Journal of chemical information and modeling
Ranaghan K
(2016)
Simulating Enzyme Reactivity - Computational Methods in Enzyme Catalysis
Ranaghan K
(2014)
A catalytic role for methionine revealed by a combination of computation and experiments on phosphite dehydrogenase
in Chem. Sci.
Radatz A
(2019)
An assessment of engaged social science research in nanoscale science and engineering communities
in Science and Public Policy
Qiao Y
(2019)
Response-Retaliation Behavior in Synthetic Protocell Communities.
in Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
Qiao Y
(2019)
Response-Retaliation Behavior in Synthetic Protocell Communities
in Angewandte Chemie
Punkvang A
(2019)
Simulations of Shikimate Dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Complex with 3-Dehydroshikimate and NADPH Suggest Strategies for MtbSDH Inhibition.
in Journal of chemical information and modeling
Pucheta-MartÃnez E
(2016)
An Allosteric Cross-Talk Between the Activation Loop and the ATP Binding Site Regulates the Activation of Src Kinase.
in Scientific reports
Pucheta-Martinez E
(2016)
Changes in the folding landscape of the WW domain provide a molecular mechanism for an inherited genetic syndrome.
in Scientific reports
Postiglione L
(2018)
Regulation of Gene Expression and Signaling Pathway Activity in Mammalian Cells by Automated Microfluidics Feedback Control.
in ACS synthetic biology
Postiglione L
(2019)
A strategy for multicellular feedback control in mammalian cells
Porter Goff KL
(2019)
Stabilizing and Understanding a Miniprotein by Rational Redesign.
in Biochemistry
Pinney R
(2018)
Yielding of a model glass former: An interpretation with an effective system of icosahedra.
in Physical review. E
Phintha A
(2021)
Dissecting the low catalytic capability of flavin-dependent halogenases
in Journal of Biological Chemistry
Pereira GC
(2019)
A High-Resolution Luminescent Assay for Rapid and Continuous Monitoring of Protein Translocation across Biological Membranes.
in Journal of molecular biology
Pereira F
(2019)
Effect of Sec61 interaction with Mpd1 on endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation.
in PloS one
Pennifold RC
(2017)
Correcting density-driven errors in projection-based embedding.
in The Journal of chemical physics
Pelosse M
(2019)
Synthetic energy sensor AMPfret deciphers adenylate-dependent AMPK activation mechanism.
in Nature communications
Pelosse M
(2017)
MultiBac: from protein complex structures to synthetic viral nanosystems.
in BMC biology
Pellizzoni M
(2018)
Chimeric Streptavidins as Host Proteins for Artificial Metalloenzymes
in ACS Catalysis
Pedone E
(2021)
Cheetah: A Computational Toolkit for Cybergenetic Control.
in ACS synthetic biology
| Title | (still) Invincible. A second run |
| Description | BrisSynBio and Kilter Theatre present INVINCIBLE, a future-facing, immersive play exploring the personal and societal conflicts surrounding the emerging science of synthetic biology. Specifically the treatment explores a synthetic biology-based preventative treatment for mental health. Staged in the pressure-cooker environment of a real residential flat, set in 2048, three women traverse three generations as the political and scientific become intensely personal. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with the cast and researchers working in synthetic biology - putting each and every audience member at the heart of a contemporary moral dilemma. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | A second run of this sell out show was commissioned for 2018 with the objective of engaging new audiences, and in-so-doing leveraging further impact from this thoughtful and thought-provoking project. This has now been attended by total audience of 515, including 98 teachers and secondary school children, policy makers, mental health practitioners, and publics from across generations. This was followed up with a science-café style evening which was attended by ~100 audience members. This has led to the establishment of a 'synbio sounding board'; a group of people who are interested in continued engagement with synthetic biology researchers at the University, and willing to contribute to further discussion and debate on this topic. Kilter have since secured EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account funding to roll this approach out to researchers working in Quantum Technologies and Virtual Reality at Bristol. In September 2018 we will hold a residential RRI workshop for early career researchers exploring implications of synthetic biology through arts practice in collaboration with the EU-funded PERFORM project and ONCE artists collective. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71K6h3wg1i8 |
| Title | BrisSynBio illustration |
| Description | Illustrative prepresentation of BrisSynBio by local Bristol illustrator and street artist Andy Council. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Impact | None yet. |
| URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/brissynbio/ |
| Title | Grace Mullally PIP |
| Description | As part of her PIP, Grace Mullally is working with Claudia Stocker at Vivid Biology, and is organising a collaborative scientist-artist partnership to result in exhibited artworks. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Impact | None as yet |
| Title | Invincible immersive theatre |
| Description | BrisSynBio and Kilter Theatre present INVINCIBLE, a future-facing, immersive play exploring the personal and societal conflicts surrounding the emerging science of synthetic biology. Specifically the treatment explores a synthetic biology-based preventative treatment for mental health. Staged in the pressure-cooker environment of a real residential flat, set in 2048, three women traverse three generations as the political and scientific become intensely personal. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with the cast and researchers working in synthetic biology - putting each and every audience member at the heart of a contemporary moral dilemma. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Impact | Unforeseen opportunity for reflection for the PDRAs involved in the development of the script and in the performances themselves. Feedback includes: "It has allowed me to carefully think about what aspects of synthetic biology are important to me and the worries that I have. These were not always easy to precisely define and this process has allowed me to think about this in a new way -- often from the view point of others outside the scientific community". "One clear thing that came out of the Q&A sessions that I was involved in was a strong sense that using nanoparticle-based therapeutics for physical vs mental health conditions had very different ethical implications for the public (with the majority believing that self-regulating systems should only be used to treat physical conditions)". The performance was offered in 2017 and 2017. In 2017 it was attended by an audience of 344, including 98 teachers and secondary school children. Input from the audiences was collected throughout and discussed with researchers and academics immediately following the performance. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71K6h3wg1i8 |
| Title | Living in Frames |
| Description | Musical score co-produced by early career synthetic biologists, and professional composer Verity Standen during a two day residential Responsible Research and Innovation retreat. |
| Type Of Art | Composition/Score |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | Reflection for the early career researchers involved |
| Title | SYNTHETIC | An exploration of synthetic biology through Art |
| Description | An exhibition of four synthetic biology-art collaborations. Products include some of the exhibited artworks. Artists involved were: Katy Connor; Imogan Coulter; Claudia Sticker; and Theo Wood. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Impact | Reflection for the synthetic biologists involved in the collaborations. Increased awareness of synthetic biology research and potential applications for the audiences. |
| URL | http://www.bris.ac.uk/news/2017/september/synthetic-biology-art-exhibition.html |
| Title | Tate Exchange Residency (Theo Wood) |
| Description | Theme: Movement Topic: gene editing The residency will: - providing a brief overview of CRISPR (A5 flyer to take away) - provide plus further information on encapsulated sheets - some news headlines (not fake), some headlines/cartoons (some fake) from the poster developed for SYNTHETIC (2017) - engage with visitors by playing 'Dilemma' the board game. The game is for 2-6 players aimed at 11+. This will last no more than maximum 15-20mins. - provide opportunity for post-it comments |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | None yet |
| URL | https://www.tate.org.uk/search?daterange=fromnow&sort=finish_time&type=event&venue=453990 |
| Description | Key findings will be reported upon completion of the research programmes. |
| Exploitation Route | NA |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Influencing policy: Bristol leads on, and is well represented in policy and agenda setting at the national and international levels. For example, Woolfson was part of a coordination group convened by the Rt Hons D Willetts MP and V Cable MP that published A Synthetic Biology Roadmap for the UK in 2012; Boyce, Race, Sedgley and Woolfson contributed to the follow-up policy document UK Synthetic Biology Strategic Plan 2016 - Biodesign for the Bioeconomy; Woolfson sits on a committee that reports directly to the Synthetic Biology Leadership Council, and has presented to the Parliament and Scientific Committee. Boyce led the development of the ERASynBio Strategic Vision, laying the groundwork for synthetic-biology policy development in several EU countries. With NHS Blood and Transplant, Toye contributes to the UK strategy to increase provision of red blood cells for patients. Edwards co-authored the first paper on standards for plant synthetic biology, and works with biotechnology providers on wheat breeding process. Innovation: Race has filed patents to underpin BrisSynBio's first spin-out, Zentraxa, to produce difficult-to-synthesize peptides. Toye is exploring patents around engineering red blood cells, and Edwards has an industrial collaboration to explore ways to jointly commercialise plant-transformation technologies. Internationalisation: The excellence of BrisSynBio's synthetic-biology research, training and outputs are already attracting international attention. Most recently, BrisSynBio co-hosted and co-organised Colston Research Symposium in Synthetic Biology, with a programme of international world-leaders including from the Centre for Genomic Regulation (Barcelona, Spain), Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (Florida, USA), J Craig Venter Institute (USA), the Max Planck Society (Germany), and NASA (USA). Post-graduate training: Grierson is Bristol Director of the RC-funded SynBioCDT. This is the only dedicated synthetic biology doctoral training programme in the world. The training is intense, interdisciplinary and innovative. The CDT recruits ˜15 students pa, ˜5 of which come to UoB. Student's backgrounds range from aero- and chemical engineering, through chemistry, biochemistry to biology. The CDT has a global reach, with the 2015/16 applicants coming from 28 universities and 11 countries. It has a growing list of industrial partners, and, so far, 44% of Bristol students have done projects with an industrial partner. Bristol has already gained 6 additional SynBioCDT-associated students who benefit from the parts of the course. Public engagement: There is a huge breadth of, and enthusiasm for public engagement across BrisSynBio for example: BrisSynBio investigators and PDRAs have taken part in Soapbox Science in Bristol and London; taken a SynBio stand-up show to Pint of Science and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; participated in Einstein's Garden at the Green Man Festival; contributed to a children's television programme (Operation Ouch!); collaborated on a BBC radio play on illegal organ trafficking; and hosted a University Research Committee Interdisciplinary Student to explore public perceptions of synthetic biology. The recent Colston public lecture from NASA scientist Lynn Rothschild filled the Great Hall in the Wills Memorial Building. Responsible research and innovation: Toye and Kent are exploring the ethical implications, commercial and public acceptability of engineered red blood cells. Learning from our Europe-wide partnerships in SYNENERGENE is informing our approach to tackling RRI implications in research. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | All Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence Community (Hauert) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Biodesign for the bioeconomy: UK Synthetic Biology strategic plan 2016 |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
| Impact | This strategic plan, published by the Synthetic Biology Leadership Council (SBLC), aims to accelerate the commercialisation of synthetic biology products and services with clear public benefit, building upon the strength of the UK research base. It focuses on five key areas of strategic importance: Accelerating industrialisation and commercialisation Maximising the capability of the innovation pipeline Building an expert workforce Developing a supportive business environment, and Building value from national and international partnerships. |
| URL | https://connect.innovateuk.org/documents/2826135/31405930/BioDesign+for+the+Bioeconomy+2016+-+DIGITA... |
| Description | Nuffield Council on Bioethics: Genome editing call for evidence (Meacham) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Impact | Genome editing techniques such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system are transforming many areas of biological research. The techniques have been embraced with enthusiasm by many researchers but have also provoked debate about possible future uses, including in human germ line modification, ecological engineering, and novel plant breeding. This project is being carried out in stages considering first the impact of genome editing in research and the range of questions to which this gives rise, and then developing practical ethical guidance for specific field(s) of application. |
| URL | http://nuffieldbioethics.org/project/genome-editing/ |
| Description | Nuffield Council on Bioethics: Naturalness report (Meacham) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Impact | When people describe something as natural, they might mean it is good, acceptable, safe or healthy. When something is described as unnatural, people can mean it is bad, unacceptable or dangerous. Views about what is natural or unnatural can affect the development and uptake of new technologies. This project examined how ideas about naturalness feature in and affect public discussions about the ethics of science, technology and medicine. The recommendations aim to improve communication and understanding between people with different views about naturalness. |
| URL | http://nuffieldbioethics.org/project/naturalness/ |
| Description | Problems caused by introgessions |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Wheat breeding companies were made aware about the effect that introgressions have on recombination and why this may lead to difficulties in the future, this has caused some companies to re-examine their breeding strategies |
| Description | Royal Society Working Group on Machine Learning (Hauert) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| URL | http://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/machine-learning/ |
| Description | UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Sector Deal Committee (Hauert) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
| Impact | Established to help understand UK-wide activity to inform RAS sector deal negotiations. Impact not yet evaluated. |
| URL | https://www.ktn-uk.co.uk/news/robotics-sector-deal-consultation |
| Description | (AAV-FACTORY) - Synthetic Viral Nanosystem for Highly Efficient AAV Manufacturing for Gene Therapy |
| Amount | € 150,000 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 963992 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 02/2021 |
| End | 07/2022 |
| Description | (NovoFold) - De novo protein discovery as a tool for understanding the folding conundrum |
| Amount | € 183,454 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 795867 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 01/2019 |
| End | 01/2021 |
| Description | 19-BBSRC-NSF/BIO. Leveraging synthetic biology to probe the rules of cell morphogenesis. |
| Amount | £805,498 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/V004220/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2020 |
| End | 09/2025 |
| Description | 21ENGBIO Engineered orthogonal ribosomes for programmable protein modification |
| Amount | £100,755 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W012448/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | A globally unique 19F, 13C, 15N NMR system to enable frontier bioscience |
| Amount | £689,881 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/V019163/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2021 |
| End | 05/2022 |
| Description | A mechanistic framework for DNA recognition and cleavage by Type V CRISPR-Cas effector nucleases |
| Amount | £478,685 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S001239/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2018 |
| End | 09/2021 |
| Description | A pipeline for efficient recombination in wheat |
| Amount | £200,364 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W003317/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2021 |
| End | 03/2023 |
| Description | ADDovenom: Novel Snakebite Therapy Platform of Unparalleled Efficacy, Safety and Affordabillity |
| Amount | £3,199,663 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 899670 |
| Organisation | European Union |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 10/2020 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | ALERT 2016 (Schaffitzel) |
| Amount | £300,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R000484/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2017 |
| End | 08/2021 |
| Description | Advanced Grant (Mann) |
| Amount | € 2,100,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 10/2017 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | Artist in residence (Toye) |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2017 |
| End | 07/2017 |
| Description | BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (van der Kamp) |
| Amount | £1,015,015 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M026280/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2015 |
| End | 11/2020 |
| Description | BBSRC Flexible Talent Mobility Award (FTMA) |
| Amount | £25,000 (GGP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | BBSRC GCRF: Natural product discovery and exploitation in Thailand (Race) |
| Amount | £19,850 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2016 |
| End | 02/2017 |
| Description | BBSRC IPC CASE award with Syngenta (Willis) |
| Amount | £96,696 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/P504804/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2016 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | BBSRC International Workshop: MaxSynBio bilateral (Mann) |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 03/2018 |
| Description | BBSRC LoLa (Scrutton, Mulholland, vd Kamp) |
| Amount | £3,038,980 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M000354/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2015 |
| End | 04/2020 |
| Description | BBSRC Responsive Mode (Collinson) |
| Amount | £349,679 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M003604/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 02/2018 |
| Description | BBSRC Responsive Mode (Collinson) |
| Amount | £214,036 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/N015126/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2016 |
| End | 11/2018 |
| Description | BBSRC SLoLa (Edwards) |
| Amount | £3,600,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/N002628/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2016 |
| End | 12/2020 |
| Description | BBSRC Tools and Resources Development Fund (Collinson) |
| Amount | £547,203 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M012107/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 10/2015 |
| Description | BBSRC responsive mode (Anderson) |
| Amount | £474,945 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M02315X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2015 |
| End | 11/2018 |
| Description | BP Research Innovation Fellowship (Simon Bennnie VR Lab) |
| Amount | £106,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | BP (British Petroleum) |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2019 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | Bio-inspired manufacturing of non-euclidean morphologies |
| Amount | £100,127 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W012324/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 01/2023 |
| Description | BrisEngBio |
| Amount | £1,517,913 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W013959/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 01/2024 |
| Description | Bristol BioDesign Institute - BrisSynBio - Flexible Talent Mobility Account |
| Amount | £270,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S507891/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2018 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | BristolBridge pump-priming (Willis) |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2017 |
| End | 06/2017 |
| Description | COMBO: CONTROL-BASED BIODESIGN OF MAMMALIAN CELL DYNAMICS |
| Amount | £1,478,668 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/S01876X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 09/2024 |
| Description | COMBO: CONTROL-BASED BIODESIGN OF MAMMALIAN CELL DYNAMICS (Marucci) |
| Amount | £1,444,092 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/S01876X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2019 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | Coiled-coil Technology for Regulating Intracellular Protein-protein Interactions |
| Amount | £440,228 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/V006231/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2021 |
| End | 10/2024 |
| Description | Colston Research Society Symposium in Synthetic Biology |
| Amount | £7,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Colston Research Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2016 |
| End | 11/2016 |
| Description | Constructing catalytically proficient enzymes from de novo designed proteins |
| Amount | £509,889 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R016445/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2018 |
| End | 10/2021 |
| Description | CuPiD: A European Network in Computational Protein Design |
| Amount | £30,612 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/T020105/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2020 |
| End | 08/2024 |
| Description | Custom nanomaterials from modular synthetic proteins |
| Amount | £1,151,785 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/S017542/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | Custom nanomaterials from modular synthetic proteins (Parmeggiani) |
| Amount | £1,124,171 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/S017542/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | DNA-DOCK (Advanced Grant Berger) |
| Amount | £2,048,016 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 834631 |
| Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 08/2024 |
| Description | Defence and Security PhD call 2015 Synthetic Biology to Produce Novel Materials for Defence and Security (Trask / Perriman) |
| Amount | £544,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 10/2019 |
| Description | Design and in vivo assembly of switchable protein-protein interactions for transcription regulation |
| Amount | £730,853 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S002820/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2018 |
| End | 11/2022 |
| Description | Dissecting the role of host receptor context and cytoskeletal disruption in malaria parasite invasion |
| Amount | £585,248 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/V010506/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2021 |
| End | 08/2024 |
| Description | Dstl: Diels-Alderase based stimulous responsive self-healing materials (Race) |
| Amount | £117,077 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 06/2017 |
| Description | EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account 2016/17: Commercialisation of a novel peptide manufacturing platform (Race) |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2016 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account 2016/17: Innovation Programme (Race) |
| Amount | £25,752 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2016 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | EPSRC Institutional Sponsorship Award 2016/17: Bacterial-bot (Gorochowski) |
| Amount | £41,596 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | EPSRC Institutional Sponsorship Award 2016/17: SynBio VR (Glowacki) |
| Amount | £43,272 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2016 |
| End | 09/2017 |
| Description | EPSRC Research Software Engineer Fellowship (Woods) |
| Amount | £487,166 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/N018591/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2016 |
| End | 07/2021 |
| Description | EPSRC Responsive Mode (Perriman) |
| Amount | £357,292 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/N026586/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2016 |
| End | 07/2019 |
| Description | EPSRC/GSK Industrial CASE studentship (Mann) |
| Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 04/2018 |
| Description | EU Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowships (Mann) |
| Amount | € 137,200 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 05/2015 |
| End | 05/2017 |
| Description | EVIDENCE (Toye) |
| Amount | £246,533 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 860436 |
| Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 10/2019 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | EVO-NANO (Hauert) FET OPEN |
| Amount | £330,940 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 800983 |
| Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 06/2018 |
| End | 05/2021 |
| Description | Engineering for a prosperous nation (Marucci) |
| Amount | £309,807 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R02815X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 05/2019 |
| Description | Engineering inducible anhydrides for irreversible Red Blood Cell enzyme decoration |
| Amount | £848,040 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/W01565X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2022 |
| End | 01/2025 |
| Description | Enterprise and Impact Development Fund (Whitney) |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 10/2017 |
| Description | European Commission FP7 collaboration (Berger) |
| Amount | € 5,233,492 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 11/2014 |
| End | 11/2017 |
| Description | Flexible talent Mobility Award (FTMA) |
| Amount | £130,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R506539/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2017 |
| End | 03/2019 |
| Description | From de novo peptide assemblies to designed organelles in living cells |
| Amount | £410,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RPG-2021-049 |
| Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 06/2024 |
| Description | Future Emerging Technologies |
| Amount | € 3,000,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission H2020 |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 10/2017 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | GSK collaboration (Enzyme - SAGEs) |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 100038043 |
| Organisation | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 05/2014 |
| End | 11/2015 |
| Description | GSK collaboration (Enzyme - SAGEs): Extension |
| Amount | £117,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 06/2016 |
| End | 07/2017 |
| Description | IB Catalyst |
| Amount | £247,085 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2015 |
| End | 03/2016 |
| Description | Impact Acceleration Award (Burston) |
| Amount | £28,282 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2017 |
| End | 05/2018 |
| Description | Impact Acceleration Award (Perriman/CytoSeek) |
| Amount | £14,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2017 |
| End | 03/2018 |
| Description | Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst (Burston) |
| Amount | £91,271 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M028186/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2015 |
| End | 03/2016 |
| Description | Industrial collaboration (Berger) |
| Amount | £418,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | GE Healthcare Limited |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | Innovation and Knowledge Centre in Synthetic Biology (Co-I on application) |
| Amount | £5,074,187 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/L011573/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Institute Strategic Programme |
| Amount | £1,200,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 03/2022 |
| Description | International workshops |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2019 |
| End | 08/2019 |
| Description | Investor accelerator (CytoSeek) |
| Amount | £148,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 06/2019 |
| Description | MRC AMR (Bailey) |
| Amount | £2,500,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/N029909/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2016 |
| End | 05/2020 |
| Description | MRC Confidence in Concepts Award |
| Amount | £25,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MC_PC_15041 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Department | MRC Confidence in Concept Scheme |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 08/2017 |
| Description | MRC New Investigator Research Grant (Marucci) |
| Amount | £518,777 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2016 |
| End | 05/2019 |
| Description | Manufacturing of affordable pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat cancers, obesity and age-related diseases (Race) |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Unknown |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2018 |
| End | 11/2019 |
| Description | Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowships for Can Xu (Mann) |
| Amount | £175,977 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 837197 |
| Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 08/2021 |
| Description | Max Planck Centre for Minimal Biology |
| Amount | £9,600,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | Mechanism and design of a pH sensor at the organelle-cytoskeleton interface |
| Amount | £788,527 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W005581/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2022 |
| End | 01/2025 |
| Description | Microsoft Research PhD Studentship (Gorochowski) |
| Amount | £859,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/T51763X/1 |
| Organisation | Microsoft Research |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | Molecular Photonic Breadboards |
| Amount | £7,255,282 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/T012455/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2020 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| Description | Nanomaterial delivered switches to control synthetic cassettes in plants |
| Amount | £100,127 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W012324/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 01/2023 |
| Description | National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Unit (Toye) |
| Amount | £3,000,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health Research |
| Department | NIHR Biomedical Research Centre |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 10/2020 |
| Description | New Industrial Systems (Race) |
| Amount | £2,710,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R020957/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2017 |
| End | 11/2020 |
| Description | Next generation DNA synthesis (Race) |
| Amount | £2,219,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M025624/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2015 |
| End | 02/2016 |
| Description | Phase 2 - Engineered red blood cells with enhanced compatibility and storage properties (Toye) |
| Amount | £250,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2019 |
| End | 06/2021 |
| Description | Programmed assembly of protocellular materials |
| Amount | £392,155 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/T01508X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2020 |
| End | 06/2023 |
| Description | Proof of Concept (Perriman) |
| Amount | £70,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | SynbiCITE |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 10/2018 |
| Description | Proof of Concept (Woolfson) |
| Amount | € 135,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission H2020 |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | Proximity to Discovery (Boyce) |
| Amount | £3,500 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 05/2017 |
| Description | Research Project Grant |
| Amount | £140,582 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RPG-2016-147 |
| Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 12/2019 |
| Description | Research fellow Enhancement Award (Gorochowski) |
| Amount | £81,200 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2017 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | Responsive Mode (Mann) |
| Amount | £706,499 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/P017320/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2017 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | Responsive Mode (Willis) |
| Amount | £725,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R007853/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | Responsive mode (Woolfson) |
| Amount | £878,290 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R00661X/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 12/2021 |
| Description | Royal Society for Engineering Enterprise fellowship (Carter) |
| Amount | £42,548 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2019 |
| Description | Specialist Research Institute (Woolfson) |
| Amount | £45,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 07/2019 |
| Description | Specialist Research Institute: Bristol BioDesign Institute |
| Amount | £45,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 07/2019 |
| Description | Supercharged protein-surfactant bioconjugates for next-generation cell therapies |
| Amount | £933,901 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/S016430/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2019 |
| End | 04/2023 |
| Description | SynbiCITE 2.0 |
| Amount | £3,058,262 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/S001859/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2018 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | SynbiCITE poof of concept award |
| Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/L011573/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2014 |
| End | 05/2015 |
| Description | Synthetic Biology Centre for Doctoral Training (Co-I) |
| Amount | £4,705,815 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/L016494/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2014 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | Synthetic biology for growth: SynBio CDT equipment (Co-I) |
| Amount | £134,262 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/J013501/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2014 |
| End | 12/2014 |
| Description | Synthetic biology for transparent materials (Race) |
| Amount | £93,253 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ACC101800 |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2017 |
| End | 05/2018 |
| Description | Translational award (Zentraxa) |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 133271 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | Understanding supply and demand for heme in cells |
| Amount | £750,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W007908/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2026 |
| Description | University Research Fellowsip (Gorochowski) |
| Amount | £532,040 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2017 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | University of Bristol EPSRC Institutional Support Award |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2015 |
| End | 03/2016 |
| Description | Unlocking the potential of engineered C-C bond forming enzymes for biocatalysis |
| Amount | £770,153 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/T001968/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | UoB BBSRC IAA GCRF: Bristol - Thailand Vaccine technology development (Davidson) |
| Amount | £24,220 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2016 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | UoB Impact Acceleration Award (Davidson) |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2017 |
| End | 02/2018 |
| Description | UoB International Strategic Fund: MaxSynBio bilateral (Mann) |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 03/2018 |
| Description | Using hydrodynamics and geometry to design bacteriaphobic surfaces (Bennett) |
| Amount | £400,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2018 |
| End | 10/2021 |
| Description | Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub (Berger) |
| Amount | £10,000,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R013764/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2017 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | Wellcome Investigator Award (Collinson) |
| Amount | £1,506,091 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 104632/Z/14/Z |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | Wellcome Multi-User Equipment: CryoEM (Schaffitzel) |
| Amount | £2,314,580 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 110084/Z/15/Z |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 08/2021 |
| Description | emPOWER: in-body artificial muscles for physical augmentation, function restoration, patient empowerment and future healthcare |
| Amount | £6,142,804 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/T020792/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2020 |
| End | 08/2025 |
| Title | A HIGH-RESOLUTION LUMINESCENT ASSAY FOR RAPID AND CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF PROTEIN TRANSLOCATION ACROSS BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES |
| Description | Protein translocation is a fundamental process in biology. Major gaps in our understanding of this process arise due the poor sensitivity, low time-resolution and irreproducibility of translocation assays. To address this, we applied NanoLuc split-luciferase to produce a new strategy for measuring protein transport. The system reduces the timescale of data collection from days to minutes, and allows continuous acquisition with a time-resolution in the order of seconds - yielding kinetics parameters suitable for mechanistic elucidation and mathematical fitting. To demonstrate its versatility, we implemented and validated the assay in vitro and in vivo for the bacterial Sec system, and the mitochondrial protein import apparatus. Overall, this technology represents a major step forward, providing a powerful new tool for fundamental mechanistic enquiry of protein translocation and for inhibitor (drug) screening, with an intensity and rigour unattainable through classical methods. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | see paper Pereira, G.C., Allen, W.J., Watkins, D.W., Buddrus, L., Noone, D., Liu, X., Richardson, A.P., Chacinska, A. and Collinson, I. (2019) A high-resolution luminescent assay for rapid and continuous monitoring of protein translocation across biological membranes: bioRxiv - https://doi.org/10.1101/456921 In Press at J. Mol. Biol |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.1101/456921 |
| Title | Breeders tool kit meeting |
| Description | Novel wheat lines and novel wheat molecular markers to be transferred to the commercial sector |
| Type Of Material | Biological samples |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Novel materials and markers to be supplied to the wheat breeding community |
| Title | New markers and new genotyping platform for wheat breeding |
| Description | New Axiom markers for use in wheat breeding |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | New markers and new GbyS genotyping platform for screening and genotyping wheat |
| Title | CerealsDB |
| Description | The CerealsDB web-site was created by members of the Functional Genomics Group at the University of Bristol. The site provides a range of facilities for the study of the wheat genome. The site has been designed with breeders in mind, and we hope that is will be easy and straightforward to use. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | There have been over 1,528,817 unique visits to the websites and our various datasets have been downloaded 48,295 times (35K Wheat breeders Array: 45,445 downloads and 820K High Density Wheat Array; 2,850 downloads). The trend of increased numbers of researchers visiting our web site shows no sign of slowing down; running as it is at greater than 50,000 unique visits per month. |
| URL | http://www.cerealsdb.uk.net/ |
| Title | Chemical Shift Files for mupirocin mAcpD |
| Description | BMRB code 34451: NMR chemical shifts associated with PDB code 6TG5 and deposited in BioMagResBank |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This work contributed to a recent publication (ACS Chem. Biol. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.9b00969, A Priming Cassette Generates Hydroxylated Acyl Starter Units in Mupirocin and Thiomarinol Biosynthesis). Understanding starter unit selection has widespread application in bioengineering, synthetic biology and natural product research for increasing the chemical diversity of engineered high-value compounds of commercial and therapeutic value. |
| URL | http://www.bmrb.wisc.edu |
| Title | Data from Understanding metabolic behaviour whole-cell model |
| Description | We provide tools to analyse single gene knock-out simulations of the Mycoplasma Genitalium whole-cell model. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.bris.ac.uk/data/dataset/3u1v7dy42fk332watjl81m13y0/ |
| Title | High Efficiency Excitation Energy Transfer in Biohybrid Quantum Dot-Bacterial Reaction Center Nanoconjugates |
| Description | Transient absorption, linear absorption and fluorescence, time resolved fluorescence data underpinning published paper. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.bris.ac.uk/data/dataset/3hqsgdntr1g842l47xrke8duj0/ |
| Title | Minimal Genome Design Algorithms using whole-cell models Rees-Garbutt and Chalkley et al 2019 |
| Description | In the future, entire genomes tailored to specific functions and environments could be designed using computational tools. However, computational tools for genome design are currently scarce. Here we present algorithms that enable the use of design-simulate-test cycles for genome design, using genome minimisation as a proof-of-concept. Minimal genomes are ideal for this purpose as they have a simple functional assay whether the cell replicates or not. We used the first (and currently only published) whole-cell model for the bacterium Mycoplasma genitalium. Our computational design-simulate-test cycles discovered novel in-silico minimal genomes which, if biologically correct, predict in-vivo genomes smaller than JCVI-Syn3.0; a bacterium with, currently, the smallest genome that can be grown in pure culture. In the process, we identified 10 low essential genes and produced evidence for at least two Mycoplasma genitalium in-silico minimal genomes. This work brings combined computational and laboratory genome engineering a step closer. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.bris.ac.uk/data/dataset/1jj0fszzrx9qf2ldcz654qp454/ |
| Title | Protein PDB coordinates for MupZ |
| Description | PDB code 6FXD: Crystal structure coordinates of MupZ from the mupirocin biosynthetic gene cluster from Pseudomonas Fluoroscens. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The discovery that MupZ can direct an anti-Baldwin ring closure, and is promiscuous, has led to further investigations into its application as a biocatalyst. This relates to follow on funding studying Diels-Alderase enzymes and work with Industrial Partners AstraZeneca who have invested over £100K to begin to develop the application of these enzymes further in industrial processes. |
| URL | https://www.rcsb.org |
| Title | Upgrade to cerealsdb (cerealsdb3) |
| Description | We have carried out a significant upgrade of cerealsdb to include new analytical tools and a much larger data set |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Increased level of data downloads and use of tools to detect introgressions in wheat |
| URL | http://www.cerealsdb.uk.net/cerealgenomics/CerealsDB/indexNEW.php |
| Description | BrisSynBio - Bruker |
| Organisation | Bruker Corporation |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expected contribution will include access to the BrisSynBio 700MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer fitted 1.7mm cryogenically coiled RF probe optimised for ultra low sample volumes. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Cash contribution of £80,000 in exchange for obsolete NMR equipment and for access to the BrisSynBio NMR instrument In kind contribution of 10 days per year for five years enabling access to Bruker NMR specialist scientists and factory development groups. |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | BrisSynBio - GSK |
| Organisation | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expected contribution is academic discovery and intellectual input in the field of pharmaceutics. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Access to in house screening for anti-microbials via the GSK Open Lab facility in Tres Cantos GSK will have board position on the BrisSynBio Scientific Advisory Board |
| Impact | None yet. |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | BrisSynBio - IEU |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Department | MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Expected contribution is academic collaboration and intellectual input in the field of Nuclear Magnetic Resonsnce technology and technology development. The IEU have a high-throughput NMR instrument for metabolomic studies which will be located adjacent to the BrisSynBio NMR instrument. Access to the BrisSynBio NMR instrument. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Cash contribution of £7500 towards the purchase of the BrisSynBio NMR instrument. |
| Impact | None yet. |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | BrisSynBio - Syngenta |
| Organisation | Syngenta International AG |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expected contribution is academic discovery and intellectual input in the field of agri-chemicals. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Input into BrisSynBio via contribution to the Scientific Advisory Board and attendance at other BrisSynBio scientific meetings (4 staff days per year for five years) Access to platform of in vitro and whole organism screens for novel compounds via the Centre for Agrochemical Activity Hosting of student and researcher visits Access to conference facilities for a joint BrisSynBio - Syngenta meeting |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | BrisSynBio - UCB Celltech |
| Organisation | UCB Pharma |
| Department | UCB Celltech |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expected contribution includes academic discovery and intellectual input to the development of innovate technologies to positively impact on the progression of UCB drug discovery projects. Access to the BrisSynBio NMR instrument. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Cash contribution of £100,000 towards the purchase of a 700MHz Nuclear Magnetic resonance spectrometer equipped with a 1.7mm cryogenically coiled RF probe optimised for ultra low sample volumes. |
| Impact | None yet. |
| Start Year | 2014 |
| Description | Collaboartion with Syngenta to exchnage knowledge on trasformation and double haploid production |
| Organisation | Syngenta International AG |
| Department | Syngenta Ltd (Bracknell) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | exchange of personal to improve our technology in double haploid production |
| Collaborator Contribution | Spent time at Syngenta providing input into transformation technolgy |
| Impact | Better transformation and double haploid technology available to Bristol |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology |
| Organisation | Max Planck Society |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The Max Planck Bristol Centre (MPBC) for Minimal Biology is to be a joint initiative of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (MPG) and the University of Bristol, UK. The initiative is initially for 5 years, to be extended following an evaluation by a further 5 years to complete the full Centre lifetime (10 years). The proposal arises from emerging interactions and collaborations between the groups of Spatz (MPI for Medical Research, Heidelberg), Schwille (MPI for Biochemistry, München), Weil (MPI for Polymer Research, Mainz) and Berger (Department School of Biochemistry, Bristol), Mann (School of Chemistry, Bristol) and Woolfson (Bristol BioDdesign Institute) in the new interdisciplinary field of minimal biology that embraces state-of-the-art discoveries in chemistry, biology and microscale engineering. Together, we will pioneer an unprecedented approach that seeks to discover, understand and formalize three key frontier areas: synthetic cellularity/protobiology; crafting synthetic cytoskeletons de novo; and synthetic nanoscale biology. |
| Collaborator Contribution | As above |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Oracle for Research |
| Organisation | Oracle Corporation |
| Department | Oracle Corporation UK Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We provide high value research problems with advanced cloud comuting requirements |
| Collaborator Contribution | Oracle for Research provide cloud computing infrastructure |
| Impact | 'Structural insights in cell-type specific evolution of intra-host diversity by SARS-CoV-2' by K Gupta et al in Nature Communications 'Synthetic virions reveal fatty acid-coupled adaptive immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein' by O Staufer et al in Nature Communications 'Free fatty acid binding pocket in the locked structure of SARS CoV-2 spike protein' by C Toelzer et al in Science. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Reconstitution of peptidoglycan transport through AmpG with Dr Patrick Moynihan |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | WE are reconstituting nano reactors for reconstitution and monitoring the transport of peptidoglycan through the transporter AmpG |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of expertise and substrates fro transport (native and derivatives) |
| Impact | Not yet |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | The Bacterial Sec Machinery with Dr Andrew Woodland |
| Organisation | University of Dundee |
| Department | Drug Discovery Unit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Provision of samples and expertise for measurement of ATP driven protein transport through the bacterial Sec machinery |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise for high-throughput analysis and exposure to large small chemical libraries to search fro potent inhibitors (potential anti-bacterial) |
| Impact | Work in progress |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research Newcastle UK |
| Organisation | Newcastle University |
| Department | Mitochondrial Research Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Upon discovery of mitochondrial editing tools we will collaborate with the Newcastle group to use in primary cells. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Supply/availability of primary cells |
| Impact | None as yet |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Title | BSim 2.0 (di Bernardo) |
| Description | BSim is an agent-based modelling tool designed to allow for the study of bacterial populations. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2016 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| URL | https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acssynbio.7b00121 |
| Title | BrisSynBio equipment calendar (Woods) |
| Description | A webtool for managing lab equipment bookings. Used by BrisSynBio. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Impact | This has been rolled out to other groups at University of Bristol where it has streamlined booking processes and enabled collection and analysis of booking and usage data. |
| Title | DNAplotlib (Gorochowski) |
| Description | DNAplotlib is a library that enables highly customizable visualization of individual genetic constructs and libraries of design variants. The tool's online code repository is shared by over 131 developers from across the world and it has been integrated into cutting-edge genetic software such as Cello. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| URL | https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acssynbio.6b00252 |
| Title | Elfin (Parmeggiani) |
| Description | Elfin is a software for the rapid design of proteins with custom shapes using experimentally validated protein building blocks. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| URL | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1047847717301417?via%3Dihub |
| Title | ISAMBARD |
| Description | Builds parametric models of proteins for protein design. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Becoming widely used by protein designers and engineers. |
| URL | http://woolfson-group.github.io/index.html |
| Company Name | Halo Therapeutics |
| Description | Anti-viral product development company |
| Year Established | 2020 |
| Impact | None yet |
| Website | https://halo-therapeutics.com/ |
| Company Name | CytoSeek (Perriman) |
| Description | Engineering a modular platform for cell therapy. |
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| Company Name | Imophoron (Berger and Garzoni) |
| Description | Imophoron is based on a disruptive new nature-inspired scaffold, called the ADDomer. It's derived from a component of human Adenovirus, which spontaneously forms the ADDomer, a very stable superparticle. We are using synthetic biology techniques to develop this scaffold into a versatile platform, which turned out to be extremely useful for developing new vaccines. |
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| Company Name | Zentraxa (Race and Burston) |
| Description | Introducing Zentide. Zentraxa's proprietary technological platform, Zentide, combined with our extensive technical know-how allows us to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with synthetic biopolymers. We specialise in the design, production and testing of complex novel peptides and, as a result of our Zentide platform, can circumvent previously existing bio-design limits imposed by conventional peptide synthesis, with one universal process. |
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Impact | Not yet evaluated. |
| Website | https://zentraxa.com/ |
| Company Name | CDOTBIO LIMITED |
| Description | Nanotechnology for crop biotechnology |
| Year Established | 2021 |
| Impact | None yet |
| Website | https://www.cdotbio.com/ |
| Company Name | GLAIA LTD |
| Description | Our revolutionary technology developed at the University of Bristol allows plants to harvest light more efficiently and facilitates the processes involved in biomass production resulting in increased crop yields. With this technology, we aim to effectively help ensure food security in the future as well as reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural food production. |
| Year Established | 2019 |
| Impact | None yet |
| Website | https://www.glaia.co.uk/ |
| Company Name | SCARLET THERAPEUTICS LIMITED |
| Description | Reb blood cell-based novel therapeutics |
| Year Established | 2021 |
| Impact | None yet |
| Company Name | ROSA BIOTECH LIMITED |
| Description | Rosa Biotech is redefining biosensing, enabling previously intractable challenges in early disease diagnosis and industrial biotechnology to be addressed accurately and at scale.Rosa Biotech's patent-pending technology builds upon and extends the pioneering protein design work of Prof. Dek Woolfson and his team at the University of Bristol's Synthetic Biology Research Centre, BrisSynBio. By combining this with advanced machine-learning techniques, Rosa offers a powerful platform capable of being trained to address numerous complex biosensing problems. |
| Year Established | 2019 |
| Impact | NA |
| Website | https://www.rosabio.tech/ |
| Description | 'Dynamic Cell' Interactive Experience (Einsteins Garden, Green Man Music Festival, August 2017) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dynamic Cell was an immersive experience exploring complex cellular processes. The project was a collaboration between University of Bristol scientists, a puppet-maker and performers. It was produced by Einstein's Garden for Green Man Festival, 2016. In the festival programme Dynamic Cell was described as follows: Experience the alien world of a cell: a weird, constantly transforming landscape of fascinating complex processes on a microscopic scale. Journey through this bizarre environment then join cell biologists to uncover the secrets of life by measuring, modelling and manipulating the cell. During the 3-day festival, the Dynamic Cell experience was open for approximately 6 hours each day. Visitors to the cell were invited to enter the cell with a small group to experience the complexity of the cellular environment, illustrated by a short puppet show. Particular themes in represented in the cell included: the central dogma (DNA-RNA-protein, transcription, translation etc.); protein folding; the DNA damage response; genome editing. In particular, one element of Dynamic Cell was an interactive set of 'CRISPR gloves' which were a talking point around which conversations about genome engineering, and in some cases mitochondrial genome engineering, took place. Dynamic Cell will be redelivered in the South West in the summer of 2017. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://einsteinsgarden.net/portfolio/dynamic-cell/ |
| Description | 6th form symposium King's College Taunton: Do Scientists dream of Synthetic sheep? (Heal) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | In collaboration with colleagues from other two other local independent schools in Taunton, King's College hosted a chemistry symposium for lower 6th pupils. Dr Jack Heal performed his stand up comedy show "Do Scientists dream of Synthetic sheep?", alongide other invited speakers. Purpose: To get the Chemists of the future enthused about science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | ADDomer Media Campaign |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Comprehensive media campaign to raise awareness of the ADDomer vaccine platform technology. The social media campaign went viral, and the story has continued to propagate though the media and beyond. This has resulted in new collaborations and partnerships. We expect to see clinical impact from the underpinning research in due course. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49974477 |
| Description | Altering Plants, Microbes and People Panel event at the Watershed in Bristol |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was one of five expert panel members at this event, which we ran twice: once for professional synthetic biologists from the South West region (GW4 alliance of universities - Exeter, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff) and again for the general public in Bristol. Each time 50-100 people attended. The audience were clearly highly engaged in the discussions at both events. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016 |
| URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/events/2016/plants-microbes-people.html |
| Description | BBC Documentary (Paul Race) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Truth about Antibiotics: A BBC documentary exploring ways that scientists are trying to fight bacterial infections, as they try to combat antibiotic resistance. Wild alligators and a sewage works are just two of the places Angela Rippon discovers that scientists are looking for new ways to fight bacterial infections. Angela reveals how a growing number of bacterial diseases are becoming resistant to the antibiotics currently in use. If nothing is done, millions could die. Angela Rippon investigated the latest scientific breakthroughs, meets a GP on the front line in the fight against infection and finds out how we can all take part in the effort to keep the miracle cure effective. Less |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0c1nl68/the-truth-about-19-antibiotics |
| Description | BBC Newsnight: Coronavirus Research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | BBC Newsnight focus on research being undertaken in the Bristol BioDesign Institute to tackle the 2019/2020 COVID-19 epidemic. The piece showcased the BrisSynBio founded BioSuite facility which includes robotic liquid handling platforms for protein production and purification. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000g1rz/newsnight-05032020 |
| Description | BBC Radio Bristol Invincible Interview |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Radion interview with BrisSynBio Director Professor Dek Woolfson and Kilter Theatre Director Oliver Langdon about the immersive, site specific, synthetic biology theatre, Invincible. Dr Phil Hammond's BBC Radio Bristol saturday Morningshow. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05y3tjr |
| Description | BBI in Berlin: Better together |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Imre Berger, EPSRC SynBio CDT Student Julien Capin, and Bristol BioDesign Institute Scientific Manager Dr Kathleen Sedgley, were invited to present the Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology at the British Embassy in Berlin on the 13 and 14 May 2019. Russel Group Universities' UK-Europe Knowledge Diplomacy Reception was opened by Chris Skidmore MP, and followed by a panel discussion Chaired by Dr Julie Maxton CBE, Executive Director of the Royal Society. The UK and Germany work together more than they work with any other country in Horizon 2020, in fact the UK is involved in over half of all German-led EU bids. Between 2013 and 2017 70,000 scientific publications were co-authored between academics in the UK and Germany, 2,177 (3.1%) of which involved the University of Bristol. Read more about the importance of UK-German collaboration, and the Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology (page 11) of the Russell Group Knowledge Diplomacy Reception Brochure. The second event was organised in collaboration between BUILA (the British Universities International Liaison Association), and their German counterpart DAIA, (the Deutsche Assoziation für Internationalen Bildungsaustausch) supported by the British Council and Universities UK International. The Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology was one of only 10 partnerships selected to to showcase collaborations between the UK, Germany and Europe. Here's the team with University of Bristol's Director International, Caroline Baylon. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://bristolbiodesign.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/bbi-events/ |
| Description | BBSRC PR: Designer barrel proteins |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Science publication, Computational design of water-soluble a-helical barrels [Science 24 October 2014: Vol. 346 no. 6208 pp. 485-488 DOI: 10.1126/science.1257452] was publicised on the BBSRC news page. Unknown. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/industrial-biotechnology/2014/141024-pr-bristol-team-creates-barrel-prot... |
| Description | Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (led by postdoc Dr Lisa Buddrus) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | In partnership with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution and with the support of the University of Bristol Public Engagement Office, I have run several hands-on workshops for children aged 11 to 13 around microbiology and biochemistry, introducing biotechnology, antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance, and various aspects of hygiene and spread of infections. In partnership with the University of Bath (UoB), I also organised a workshop at the UoB Department of Biology and Biochemistry teaching labs, exploring DNA and synthetic biology. I was also involved in the events at We the Curious during World Antibiotic Awareness Week, demystifying appropriate antibiotic use and spread of antibiotic resistance with children of various ages. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
| Description | BioIndustry Association SynBio special interest group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | BrisSynBio invited attendance at the BioIndustry Association Synthetic Biology special interest group in May 2014. This group comprises SMEs, big business (including GSK and Syngenta) and and venture capitalists allied to synthetic biology. The meeting was also attended by the three Synthetic Biology Research Centres and SynBiCITE. Unknown. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.bioindustry.org/advisory-committees/synthetic-biology-advisory-committee-sbac/ |
| Description | Bright club Southampton: Do Scientists dream of Synthetic Sheep? (Heal) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Jack Heal performs his stand up comedy show "Do Scientists dream of Synthetic sheep?" as the headline act at Bright Club, Southampton. Bright Club is a comedy night with researchers attempting to perform comedy about their work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.southampton.ac.uk/per/university/bright-club.page |
| Description | ERASynBio workshop of the European Synthetic Biology Centres |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | The key results of this activity were to inspire and feed further ERASynBio developments and recommendations to the European Commission. None yet |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | https://www.erasynbio.eu/ |
| Description | Engagement with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Germplasm exchange for technical development |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Engagement with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with breeder regarding marker development for tracking introgressions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Engagement with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with technology provider regarding optimisation of new technology for wheat |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Engagement with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with technology provider regarding a new genotyping platform and its application |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Engagement with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Transfer of markers to technology provider to aid the development of a new genotyping platform |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Engagement with industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with service providers for genotyping technical development |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Festival (Gorochowski) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dynamic Cell Talk to members of the public attending Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Festival (Heal) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Green Man Festival: Do scientist dream of synthetic sheep? |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | GARNet Gene Editing Workshop 26 -27 March 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Plant gene editing workshop held at Bristol University. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Gene editing workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Workshop speakers: John Dupré, Director of the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society, University of Exeter: Responsible Research and Innovation in the field of gene editing Sabine Gokolok, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh: TALENS and gene editing in mammalian cells Lorenz Mayr, Vice President & Global Head, Biological reagents & Assay Development, AstraZeneca: CRISPR / Cas9 Nicola Paton, Head of Synthetic Biology, Sainsbury Laboratory: Gene editing in plants Workshop format: The morning consisted of talks from the above. We then asked our speakers to tell us about their difficulties and challenges in gene editing as well as their successes. This was followed by an open format during the afternoon where attendees had the opportunity to discuss techniques with the speakers. A small number of commercial suppliers also attended to demonstrate products and trouble shoot. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Gloucestershire college: Do Scientists dream of Synthetic Sheep? (Heal) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Talk/discussion to Biology students on the Access to Higher Education Course. Dr Jack Heal performs his stand up comedy show "Do Scientists dream of Synthetic sheep?". The audience will be students on an Access to Higher Education Course which is a one year course for adults without A Levels who wish to go to university. Most of them are intending to enter health professions. The show coincides with one of the lessons on the Biology course. All Biology students were invited to attend. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | International knowledge exchange (Sedgley) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of the Invincible theatre project to This delegation: engagement with public and industry |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Invited talk at the 2014 Gordon Research Conference on Tetrapyrroles (Rhode Island) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I presented the work from my grant at the GRC tetrapyrroles meeting in Rhode Island in the summer of 2014. This was attended by many leading researchers in the heme and tetrapyrrole-containing protein field and represented an excellent opportunity to publicise my work amongst my peers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=12064 |
| Description | Invited talk at the 67th Mosbacher Kolloquium (Protein design - from first principles to biomedical applications) in Mosbach, Germany |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I presented my work at an international conference focussed on protein design, including all of the key founders and current leaders of the field. This resulted in many stimulating conversations with my peers and the scientific leaders in protein design and helped to promote the work of my group and the work performed in the grant. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cbic.201600256/abstract?systemMessage=Pay+per+view+articl... |
| Description | Keynote presentation at 2019 Monogram |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Keynote, plenary lecture at Monogram 2019 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Kilter Theatre production - Invincible |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | YouTube audience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71K6h3wg1i8 |
| Description | Meeting with South African deligation to discuss meiosis, genotyping and wheat breeding |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with British Council lead South African delegation to discuss wheat breeding and possible further links |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Meeting with international experts in wheat breeding and recombination |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Meeting of international experts in wheat breeding and recombination/marker development to consider future prospects |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | New Scientist Live (Paul Race) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | New Scientist Live 2018 Antibiotic discovery in the abyss Saturday 22nd September, Earth Stage Microbes are growing increasingly resistant to antibiotics, creating a global public health issue. The UK's strategy for overcoming this growing threat depends on the discovery and development of new antibiotics. Natural products have historically proven to be one of the most fruitful sources of antibiotics, with over half of all current clinically used antibiotics being derived from, or inspired by, natural products. In this talk, Paul Race outlines a major research project seeking to identify new antimicrobials from microorganisms that live in previously unexplored habitats on the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean, which can only be accessed using remotely operated robotic submersibles. This project is already yielding a rich diversity of novel antimicrobial agents that show promise for future use in public health. Paul Race is a senior lecturer in Biological Chemistry at the University of Bristol. He leads the EPSRC funded Manufacturing Immortality project, is a project lead within the BBSRC/EPSRC funded BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, was a founding Director of the Bristol BioDesign Institute, and is a co-founder and non-executive Director of the biomaterials spin-out company Zentraxa Ltd. His research focuses on the discovery and optimisation of natural product molecules as leads for new drugs and materials. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://live.newscientist.com/speakers/paul-race |
| Description | Panel Discussion (Bristol) "Synthetic Biology: Microbes, Plants and People" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | "Exper panel" discussion on Synthetic Biology, based on questions and discussion from a non-specialist audience. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Parliamentary Science Committee presentation 2014 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Approximately 200 people attended the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee meeting on the 17th June 2014. The audience included Parliamentarians, members of scientific bodies, science-based industry and academics. http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/sample-page/programme/ This meeting has subsequently been written up and included in the Autumn 2014 Science in Parliament (Vol 71 No 4: pgs 20 - 26) publication. Unknown |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Autumn-Contents-page.pdf |
| Description | Pint of Science Festival - Where is your next meal coming from? (Edwards) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A night on farming and food production of the future open to the public for debate, questions and discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://pintofscience.co.uk/event/wheres-your-next-meal-coming-from |
| Description | Pint of Science Festival: Dark side of protein science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of the Pint of Science Festival, researchers from BrisSynBio participated in the 'Dark Matters' event. The event was held in Friska café, Bristol, and involved scientific crafts and discussions between researchers and the public. Director of BrisSynBio, Professor Dek Woolfson, along with Gail Bartlett, Jack Heal, Drew Thomson and Chris Wood organised the event 'Dark Matters'. Analogous to the idea of dark matter, protein science focuses on the protein structures that could theoretically exist but are not present in natural biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/publicengagementstories/stories/2015/dark-side-protein-science.html |
| Description | Pint of Science, Bristol, UK, May 2015, "From galaxies of stars to a new universe of proteins" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Part of the Pint of Science 2015 Programme in Bristol. About 60 people attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | https://pintofscience.co.uk/event/dark-matters/ |
| Description | Public Engagement talk, Science controversy talk at the Smoke and Mirrors Pub, Bristol, 6th July 2016, Designer Babies and the use of gene editing, British Science Association |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public understanding of science lecture in a local pub on designer babies and the future role of gene editing, including some interactive sessions to prompt discussion. Extensive discussion and opinion on the pros and cons of such technology |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Public dialog and debate |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A pint of science debate on the price of bread and wheat breeding |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Public lecture (University of Bristol) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public lecture to approx 200-300 people. Sparked interest in science, and discussion afterwards |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | RCUK workshop on DNA synthesis |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Following the first phase of DNA Synthesis investments earlier in 2014, BBSRC, on behalf of the Research Councils, hosted a one day workshop to discuss mechanisms for implementing the second phase of capital investment (approximately £8M) for precompetitive DNA synthesis research/capabilities. The purpose of the capital money is to create a 'national capability' in DNA synthesis which will support the long term growth of UK synthetic biology. Attendees were required to complete a questionnaire in advance of the workshop identifying the (up to) five biggest research challenges for the next generation of DNA synthesis and the barriers to a coordinated state-of -the-art national capability. At the workshop attendees further considered what capability is already available and therefore what the existing requirements and bottlenecks for a UK capability are. The key outcome of the activity was the generation of a small number of short strategic cases for capital investment. These are currently being reviewed by BBSRC. Representatives from the private sector were also present at the workshop and it is anticipated that they will work closely with the academic community in the development of technologies that tackle challenges that underpin the next generation of DNA synthesis, but also in bringing the technologies/ capabilities developed closer to market/ into wider use. Long term there will be tangible impacts generated from the instruments purchased via this award if successful. The impact is likely to be mainly in the academic and industrial spheres, and in the areas of fine and speciality chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and life science technologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | RSC: Synthetic Biology: The Free Edinburgh Festival Fringe Show (Heal) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Supported by an award from the Royal Society of Chemistry,the Edinburgh Fringe Festival hosted its first science stand-up on the subject of synthetic biology. Jack Heal's 'Do Scientists Dream of Synthetic Sheep?' show took a comedic approach to genome engineering, de-extinction and more - with the crowd helping to shape its direction with questions and discussion. The show considered questions from artificial life to Jurassic Park, and ran for 21 days. Purpose: To interest the public in science. Outcome: The comic felt freshly enthused about doing [synthetic biology] research. Reflection: Free shows encourage people to take risks in their choices of which shows to see. This spirit is perfect for science outreach events which have to try hard to avoid becoming 'by scientists, for scientists'. None yet. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
| URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/publicengagementstories/stories/2016/jack-heal.html?platform=hootsuite |
| Description | Radio Play - Blood Culture (Toye) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Five 2-part 30 minute episodes in the form of an entertaining who-done-it including a post-show chat on the issues raised. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.blood-culture.com/audio.html |
| Description | Radio broadcast Farming today |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Interview for farming today on wheat breeding and its importance; 14th July 2017 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Rank Prize acceptance speech |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Rank prize (2018) acceptance speech |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.rankprize.org/index.php/prizes/prizes-2018 |
| Description | Rank Symposium on "The shape of wheat to come" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | The Rank Symposium of "The shape of wheat to come" was a four day event organised by Edwards and Higgins to promote the area of recombination to a wide range of international scientists ranging from PhD students to retired professors |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Reverse Science Cafe |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Reverse Science Cafe: Have your say your way This public event known as a "reverse science cafe" is where the scientists will be asking questions of the public. Tables Turned: Have a Say, Your Way Should we use engineered stem cells in therapy? When is it OK to release an engineered organism into the environment? Researchers working at the cutting edge of biological design need your help to decide how they work and what they make in the future. Join researchers from BrisSynBio in a discussion event exploring the ethical and societal issues related to research that is taking place at the University of Bristol on genetic engineering. Researchers will share some of the challenges they are facing and will work with you to find potential solutions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | SBLC SBRC subgroup |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Accepted membership of the BIS commissioned Synthetic Biology Leadership Committee, Synthetic Biology Research Centre sub group. The first meeting of this group took place on May 2014. This was attended by the following: Jim Hasslehoff, Cambridge Nigel Minton, Nottingham John Ward, UCL Paul Freemont, Imperial Dick Kitney (chair), Imperial John Collins, Imperial Paul Race, BrisSynBio Bristol Anne Osbourn, John Innes Centre Kathleen Sedgley, BrisSynBio Bristol The purpose of this meeting was to share information about the three SBRCs and SynBiCITE to feed up to BIS via the SBLC. This will be an ongoing activity. Unknown. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | STEMming Girls: Inspiring New Women Generations in STEM (led by postdoc Dr Sara Alvira de Celis) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | see URL below and also here: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biochemistry/public/news/2018/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science.html |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://sruk.org.uk/events/stemming-girls-inspiring-new-women-generations-in-stem/ |
| Description | School Visit (Caldicott School) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Talk attended by ~ 40 year 12 and 13 students at Caldicott School, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | School engagement (Gorochowski) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Teaching antimicrobial concepts using interactive biofilm in virtual reality: Developed in collaboration with Clevedon School, Somerset. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | School visit (Beechen Cliff) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Talk given at Beechen Cliff School to year 12 students, with questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | School visit (QEH school) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Talk given at QEHSchool to year 12 students, with questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Schools Visit (Warminster School) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Talk sparked questions and discussion. Positive feedback from staff and pupils. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Sci-Art collaboration (Connor) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Knowledge link through Art and Science workshop, Max Planck led. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Sci-art collaboration (Toye) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Blood culture: reimage(in)ing life at a cellular scale. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://katyconnor.wordpress.com/ |
| Description | Science Cafe - Synthetic biology - creating artificial enzymes (Anderson) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | British Science Association: Bristol and Bath branch. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Science Cafe: Lab grown blood becomes a reality (Toye) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | BrisSynBio researchers are growing blood in the laboratory; work that will have potentially profound effects for patients needing regular transfusions, or rare types of donated blood in the future. This Science Café on blood production was presented by a panel of experts including Professor David Anstee from the NHS Blood Service and biochemists Dr Ashley Toye, BrisSynBio, and Dr Jan Frayne from Bristol University. Outcome: Attendees learnt how scientists aim to use this blood to study rare diseases, engineer new therapeutic qualities by using synthetic biology, and offer an alternative to patients with certain conditions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | SoapBox Science London Southbank |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | From the web site: "The UK's leading female scientists take to their soapboxes to showcase science to the general public. The event's mission remains the same: to help eliminate gender inequality in science by raising the profile, and challenging the public's view, of women and science." I spoke about "Synthetic Biology - Designing Life". An estimated 3000 people attended. There was lively discussion including comments from people who told me they were professional regulators. It was a very well informed two-way conversation with a people ranging from toddlers in push chairs to the elderly in wheelchairs. The experience diffused a lot of my fears about engaging with he public about this controversial topic, leading me to take on more public engagement work about synthetic biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://soapboxscience.org/soapboxscience-2015-london/ |
| Description | Stakeholder Workshop: Social Responsibility and Wheat Research 13/9/18 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Stakeholders talked about their own interests (and/or those of their community) in relation to the many uses of wheat. The event also considered stakeholder responses as the basis for a report on social responsibility and wheat research targeted at policy audiences |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | SynBioExpo (Space Gallery, Bristol). |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A collaborative exhibition between Bristol-based artists Imogen Coulter, Claudia Sticker and Theo Wood and researchers at BrisSynBio, exploring the possibilities and ethical questions of CRISPR. Curated and organised by Grace Mullally. Feedback from the public about the challenging questions surrounding gene editing were collected. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://theislandbristol.com/event/synbioexpo/ |
| Description | Synthetic Biology Research Centres Ethical Legal and Social Aspects meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | This was a BBSRC hosted one-day ELSA workshop for the SBRC grant holders to ensure they incorporate appropriate and meaningful ELSA consideration into their Centres. Additionally the workshop networked the SBRCs and the broader synthetic biology community including the EPSRC-BBSRC synthetic biology CDT. The main results of the activity were to share the ELSA plans across the SBRCs, exploration of strengths and challenges. Joint publications between SynBio researchers and social scientists will be a measurable metric of success in this for the SBRCs. None yet |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Synthetic Biology through different lenses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Panel discussion exploring synthetic biology through different lenses: Claudia Stoker, Illustrator, Vivid Biology Nick Matthews, Social Scientist, SYNBIOCHEM Jim Scown, Environmental Humanities, Cardiff and Bristol Cassidy Nelson, Future Humanities Institute |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://synbioukac.wixsite.com/synbiouk |
| Description | Synthetic proteins for a synthetic biology: faster, fitter, stronger |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Better Humans Science Café, Bristol, UK, October 5 2016, "Synthetic proteins for a synthetic biology: faster, fitter, stronger" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | The rise and rise of synthetic biology in the UK: science, policy and public perception |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Invited to Houses of Parliament, London, UK, June 2014, to speak to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/17-June-AGM-agenda.pdf |
| Description | The value of naturalness in the age of marvelous technologies (Meacham) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On 16 April 2015, BrisSynBio hosted a public debate at Bristol's Watershed Arts Centre on the "value of naturalness in the age of marvelous technologies." Sir Roland Jackson from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Professor Alison Assiter from UWE, Bristol, Professor Nima Yeganefar from the Université de Poitiers and a lively audience discussed and debated in the role of the concepts of "nature" and "naturalness" in ethical and political discourse surrounding emerging biotechnologies. The event was organised and chaired by Darian Meacham. Sir Roland Jackson blogged about the event: http://nuffieldbioethics.org/blog/2015/why-do-we-value-naturalness-a-lively-discussion/ The debate was sponsored by UWE's Social Science in the City, The Royal Institute of Philosophy in collaboration with the Bristol Festival of Ideas. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk25Fl4ajEY |
| Description | Tools and Developments for DNA Synthesis |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | BrisSynBio attendance at a SynBiCITE hosted workshop jointly organised by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which incorporates Life Technologies and gene Art. Early stage discussions initiates with Gene Art around the use of their technologies throughout BrisSynBio and longer term development projects. Meeting planned for early 2015. Early stage discussions initiated with Midven venture capitalists about potential investment opportunities arising from BrisSynBio. Meeting planned for December 2014. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | UCAS Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Participation in the School of Biochemistry UCAS open day. Demonstration of single molecule magnetic tweezers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | UCAS post offer day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Participation in the School of Biochemistry UCAS post-offer day. Demonstration of single molecule magnetic tweezers and talk about genome editing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | UCL Chemical and Physical Society evening talk: Do Scientists dream of Synthetic sheep? (Heal) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Jack Heal performed his stand up comedy show "Do Scientists dream of Synthetic sheep?" to UCL Chemical and Physical Society. CPS was founded in 1876 and is believed to be the oldest scientific student body in the country. It is run predominantly by students and hosts lectures weekly throughout term time as well as organising many other events for students and staff throughout the year. The lecture programme has a general science remit and our audience mainly comprises staff and students of the chemistry department (as well as a growing cohort of natural science students) and members of SCI London, who sponsor the society. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | University of Bristol Open Days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | One-to-one discussions with members of the public about our research, biochemical sciences generally, and other aspects of University study. It is difficult to report specific impacts. I have no doubt that the discussions influenced the life choices of many of the young people that I spoke with. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015 |
| Description | We the Curious, Bristol, UK, September 2019, Futures 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Woolfson gave an interactive talk on protein design and synthetic biology to a general as part of Bristol Futures 2019 at We the Curious, Bristol, UK, in September 2019. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.futures2019.co.uk/events/we-the-curious/ |
| Description | Women in Science Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Around 100 children from local secondary schools were invited to participate in a number of live science demonstrations held in the Anson room at the University of Bristol's Students Union Building. Staff and students from across the University organized the live science demonstrations with children actively encouraged to ask questions and take part. I spoke to groups of schoolchildren and their teachers asking them questions about their perceptions of the history of human impacts on the natural world, human self-improvement, and what they think the future implications of synthetic biology might be. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017 |
| URL | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/translational-health-sciences/news/2017/women-in-science-outreach-event.ht... |
| Description | Women in Science Day - Designing Life (Grierson) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 100 school pupils and their teachers were the audience for this talk, prompting questions and discussion about ethical issues in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | You tube (Meacham) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Professor Dek Woolfson (Synthetic Biology researcher) and Dr Darian Meacham (Philosopher) discuss responsible research and innovation within Synthetic Biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARUtqdLQf2Q |
| Description | You tube (Meacham) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Professor Dek Woolfson speaks about the potential of Synthetic Biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tcyPej7hos |
| Description | You tube (Meacham) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Darian Meacham raises philosophical questions in the context of biology about what we regard as 'natural' and how this relates to the way we think about Synthetic Biology and the role of public engagement in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1no4L1dfhU |