Since its inception, synthetic biology has depended on an international base of backers from outside of academia and industry to foster the technology’s growth

Policymakers and enthusiasts in the lay public have played a huge hand in bolstering the field. With some of the US funding coming to an end, the industry will likely depend on their support even more in the coming years.In London next week, these stakeholders will gather to discuss the latest developments in policy, outreach, security, and the public support in the rapidly growing Do-It-Yourself Biology movement. Chaired by James Brown, of the UK government’s synthetic biology Knowledge Transfer Network
, the panel promises a lively debate.The conversation will begin with an update about government investment. Lionel Clarke, co-chair of the UK Synthetic Biology Leadership Council, a government steering panel, will discuss the UK’s implementation of its synthetic biology roadmap, pinpointing the areas he thinks government funding will most impact.One key international issue will be food security and the need to feed our growing planet. Christine Gould, head of next generation engagement at Syngenta and founder of Thought for Food, will share engagement strategies she’s used to foster thoughtful discussion on how novel technologies can provide solutions.Another key international issue will be the democratization of the tools of synthetic biology--particularly, the DIYBio movement. Thomas Landrain, the founder of La Paillasse
, Paris’s community laboratory, will discuss his innovative community outreach activities and the movement’s international diffusion.The discussion is not complete without considering the biosecurity implications of wider access to biotechnology. Piers Millet, a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars and founder the consultancy Biosecure, will discuss the latest trends in securing the science.Public engagement, strategic investment, and the DIYbio movement are all trends to watch in 2015. Combined, these panelists will give you a taste of what’s to come.