The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies

In its first report to President Obama, the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has identified the risks and benefits of pioneering research that could lead to new vaccines, drugs and biofuels and developed framework to evaluate emerging technologies. Citing uncertainty about risks, the Commission urges enhanced coordination and transparency, ongoing risk analysis, public engagement, and stepped up ethics education for researchers.

The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues (PCSBI) is an advisory panel of the nation's leaders in medicine, science, ethics, religion, law, and engineering. PCSBI advises the President on bioethical issues arising from advances in biomedicine and related areas of science and technology. The Commission seeks to identify and promote policies and practices that ensure scientific research, health care delivery, and technological innovation are conducted in a socially and ethically responsible manner.

• Read the Report: New Directions: the Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies
• Read the Press Release: Presidential Commission on Bioethics Calls for Enhanced Federal Oversight in Emerging Field of Synthetic Biology
• Learn More:: Frequently Asked Questions About The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies

For more information about the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, please see www.bioethics.gov.

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Last Reviewed: May 4, 2012