We want to develop a prototype teaching resource that allows audiences to learn about synthetic biology in a hands on way.
We aim to bring together an interdisciplinary team of biologists and engineers to develop a plug and play system of physical blocks representing the building components of a genetic circuit which will encourage audiences to learn about physical genetic circuits. The idea is that these example circuits would then be built in the labs at Biomakespace, using pre-existing plasmids where possible. The prototype resources will be tested by the Biomakespace, London Hackspace members and will be used as teaching aids in workshops in and beyond Biomakespace. This project will allow Biomakespace to realise one of its objectives - to teach synthetic Biology to Biomakespace members. Biomakespace will approach organisations that may be interested in using the resources for their key audiences. In the future, Biomakespace may explore running a competition, inviting people to design new genetic circuits and the winning circuit could get synthesized and built in the lab.
Dr Payam Mehrshahi,
Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Mr Patrick Hickland,
Graduate student, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Mr Tony Naggs,
Mr Marek Balint,
Sofware engineer at Repositive; Cambridge Biomakespace
Mr Roger Mason,
Director of NDimensions Ltd, Cambridge Biomakespace
This project is due to report in 2018.