In this episode, Dr Happymon Jacob speaks with Dr Brett Edwards (senior lecturer, University of Bath) about synthetic biology as a field of emerging techno-scientific concern. The conversation engages with ongoing debates about the possible laboratory origin of the Sars-Cov-2 virus as well as larger concerns about biosafety and safeguards to prevent future leaks and outbreaks.
The discussion delves into ethical and regulatory concerns in the context of advances in synthetic biology. It provides an appraisal of the existing frameworks of BTWC and CWC to effectively deal with cutting-edge technologies and innovations and highlights gaps in their governance and regulation. Proliferation concerns from the weaponisation of biological research and bioterrorism are also addressed.
The need for a more comprehensive concept of national security that moves beyond traditional state-centric approaches and incorporates non-traditional security challenges is stressed.