Sculpting evolution: engineering biology to address global disease challenges Venue: Howard Building, Downing College, Cambridge

Date: 18 October 2016, 7:30pm - 9pm followed by drinks reception

Register: http://tiny.cc/synbioforum-18Oct2016 Dr Kevin Esvelt (MIT Media Lab) and Professor Luke Alphey (Pirbright Insitute, founder of Oxitec Ltd) examine the science, ethics and regulation of genetic engineering to control mosquito-borne disease. What promise does this emerging technology hold and how do we ensure it is used responsibly?

Programmable biology in the test tube

Venue: Department of Plant Sciences, Downing Site

Date: 19 October 2016, 09:00-17:00, including talks and practical

Register: http://tiny.cc/synbioforum-19Oct2016 Synthetic gene circuits can be used to generate rapid and low-cost paper-based diagnostics for diseases including Zika and Ebola. Dr Vincent Noireaux (University of Minnesota), Dr Nick Rollins (Cambridge Consultants) and Dr Fernan Federici (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and University of Cambridge) present the technology and its disruptive implications during these lunchtime seminars and a hands-on prototyping workshop (application required). The OpenPlant Fund will launch a linked call for mini-grants to support interdisciplinary collaborations on the theme of in vitro synthetic biology.

Synthetic biology for regenerative medicine

Venue: Old Divinity School, St John’s College, St Johns St, Cambridge CB2 1TP

Date: 8 Nov 2016, 18:30 - 20:00 followed by networking reception with buffet

Registration (£10/£5): Link to be posted to http://www.synbio.cam.ac.uk when live Professor Ron Weiss (MIT) introduces the design and implementation of synthetic gene circuits in mammalian systems, exploring the potential of this approach in regenerative medicine and stem cell engineering. The talk and dialogue will be followed by a wine reception and delicious finger buffet.