Guiding Ethical Principles in Engineering Biology Research

• DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00129
• Publication Date: 2021-05-12T12:02:10Z
• Authors: Rebecca Mackelprang; Emily R. Aurand; Roel A. L. Bovenberg; Kathryn R. Brink; R. Alta Charo; Jason A. Delborne; James Diggans; Andrew D. Ellington; Jeffrey L. “Clem”...; Farren J. Isaacs; June I. Medford; Richard M. Murray; Vincent Noireaux; Megan J. Palmer; Laurie Zoloth; Douglas C. Friedman
• Keywords: Social Responsibility; 0303 health sciences; Biomedical Research; Physical and chemical processes; Climate; Communication; Bioengineering and biotechnology; Administrative Personnel; Bioengineering; 551; 16. Peace & justice; Research Personnel; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Inventions; Research Design; Medical Laboratory Personnel; Genetics; Humans; Public Health; Biology; Environmental Health

Engineering biology is being applied toward solving or mitigating some of the greatest challenges facing society. As with many other rapidly advancing technologies, the development of these powerful tools must be considered in the context of ethical uses for personal, societal, and/or environmental advancement. Researchers have a responsibility to consider the diverse outcomes that may result from the knowledge and innovation they contribute to the field. Together, we developed a Statement of Ethics in Engineering Biology Research to guide researchers as they incorporate the consideration of long-term ethical implications of their work into every phase of the research lifecycle. Herein, we present and contextualize this Statement of Ethics and its six guiding principles. Our goal is to facilitate ongoing reflection and collaboration among technical researchers, social scientists, policy makers, and other stakeholders to support best outcomes in engineering biology innovation and development.