New Media Project 4 will develop a New Artistic Medium that can be used as tool to open up dialogs about the present and future of synthetic cells.
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Research questions could be:

• How could synthetic biology impact society? 

• How can we create living cells from lifeless particles? 

• What is life?

 

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The urgency of public engagement in the present and future of synthetic cells

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Engaging the public in the development of synthetic cells is not just beneficial, it is essential for shaping how these groundbreaking technologies will affect society. Synthetic cells, human-made systems designed to replicate the functions of natural cells, have the potential to revolutionize medicine, redefine our understanding of life, and transform our relationship with nature.

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However, these exciting advancements come with challenges that extend far beyond the lab. They raise profound social and ethical questions: 

• How could synthetic biology impact society?

• How can we create living cells from lifeless particles?

• What is life?

• How should we intervene in nature?

• What if we engineer life itself?

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To ensure synthetic cells are developed in ways that benefit society, we need more than just scientists and policymakers at the table. Everyone has a stake in this future, because when it comes to transformative technologies, the public’s voice matters. As noted in a key study, “Perhaps the greatest challenge is for everyone in synthetic biology to engage with the public, listen to alternative viewpoints, and make their work open and accessible. When it comes to challenges as big as the planet's well-being, everyone is a stakeholder.” (Gallup et al., 2021).

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Public engagement ensures that synthetic biology is not only scientifically sound but also aligned with societal values and concerns. For instance, synthetic cells could revolutionize medicine through targeted cancer therapies or drive environmental innovation with resilient biosensors. Yet, their development brings significant risks, including biosecurity threats, environmental consequences, and the profound ethical implications of engineering life itself, an idea that challenges deeply rooted beliefs and could provoke widespread societal unease. Transparency and collaboration are essential to address these issues, build trust, and ensure informed decision-making.

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Art, as a universal language, plays a powerful role in this process. It bridges the gap between science and society, making complex concepts accessible and relatable. By fostering curiosity, dialogue, and reflection, art empowers individuals to explore the ethical and societal dimensions of synthetic biology, encouraging deeper public engagement with these emerging technologies.

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The future of synthetic cells depends not only on scientific progress but on collective action. By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and creativity, we can navigate the challenges of synthetic biology responsibly, minimizing potential risks and maximizing its benefits.

 

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What to expect

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At Dream Team Emergence Delft, we are dedicated to fostering conversations about the present and future of synthetic cells. We aim to develop an innovative and technically sophisticated artistic medium that can be used to bridge the gap between complex science and public understanding.

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Our project delves into the possibilities and ethical challenges of synthetic biology, encouraging people to critically reflect on its societal and environmental implications. By making these ideas accessible and engaging, we hope to spark curiosity, inspire dialogue, and empower the public to actively shape the future of these transformative technologies.

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As an interdisciplinary team, we combine the expertise of art academy students and TU Delft students, uniting skills from mechanical engineering and computer science to philosophy and biotechnologists. Whether you're an artist, engineer, designer, scientist, philosopher, or somewhere in between, this project is for you!