Stanford’s inaugural Synthetic Biology Expo debuts with campus-wide momentum

Since the landmark sequencing of the human genome in 2003, and the breakthrough discovery of CRISPR gene editing in 2012, synthetic biology has risen as a rapidly advancing field that applies engineering principles to build with biology. Stanford’s Department of Bioengineering, established in 2002 and still the School of Engineering’s newest department, has become a world-leading program shaping the next generation of synthetic biologists. Today, synthetic biology research spans far beyond a single department, with faculty working in synthetic biology found across 20+ departments in four schools across Stanford.​

Researchers from across Stanford gathered at the Clark Center for the university’s inaugural Stanford Synthetic Biology Expo. Spearheaded by six graduate students, Bella Archibald, Santiago Mille Fragoso, Lucas Sant’Anna, Anru Tian, Hank Jones, and Janella Schwab seeking to create a campus-wide gathering to learn about the current synthetic biology research happening at Stanford, this event brought together researchers from across disciplines to explore the future of this emerging field - from medicine and sustainability to policy and tool development.​ Among the more than 300 participants from 47 departments and units registered, with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers making up 63% of the attendees, underscored the enthusiasm from trainees. 

It was standing room only in Clark Auditorium as Michael C. Jewett, professor of bioengineering, opened with an overview of synthetic biology at Stanford. There were 13 flash talks highlighting the breadth of synthetic biology at Stanford, including with Michaëlle Mayalu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering on control theory for robust genetic systems, Callie Chappell, postdoc in biology, on her Biology for Everyone biopolicy report, Theo Roth, assistant professor of pathology on the non-evolved human genome, as well as Stanley Qi, associate professor in bioengineering closing with advances in designer gene therapy. 

In addition to lively talks, attendees explored emerging synthetic biology research at a poster session and networking reception featuring 50 posters grouped into themes including human biology and tool development, showcasing cutting-edge projects and fostering cross-campus connections.

Thanks to the grassroots efforts of a committee of graduate students, staff, and faculty, this event marks a pivotal step toward building a unified, cross-campus ecosystem for engineering biology at Stanford. Thank you to the support from the Departments of Bioengineering, Genetics, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Bio-X.