A post-synthetic biology era explored at the next GESDA’s High-Level Science Anticipation Meeting
Synthetic biology is rapidly evolving. Beyond editing genes, scientists are now designing entire biological systems – innovations that could transform healthcare, agriculture, energy, and environmental protection.
Organized in collaboration with the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology and The University of Hong Kong, the next GESDA’s High-Level Science Anticipation Meeting will explore what lies beyond this evolution: the post-synthetic biology era. The meeting brings together global experts to discuss how emerging technologies – from artificial intelligence to quantum computing – will converge with biology to redefine the boundaries of research.
Hosted by Prof. Michael Hengartner, Chair of GESDA’s Academic Forum and President of the ETH Board, the meeting will explore three key themes:
- Convergence of AI, Chemistry, and Biology – How will cross-disciplinary innovation accelerate discovery?
- Future Conceptual Applications – What new uses of synthetic biology could advance sustainability and well-being?
- Stability, Sustainability, and Reversibility – How can science and governance ensure responsible development?
The insights from the meeting will inform the 2026 GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar®, a global database that provide an overview on the scientific and technological breakthrough in the next 5, 10, and 25 years.
