Description du projet
Quand le droit et la gouvernance croisent le chemin de la biologie
La biologie synthétique ne relève plus de la science-fiction. Ce nouveau domaine interdisciplinaire se développe rapidement, et les réglementations y afférentes n’ont pas suivi cette évolution. Le projet SynBioGov, financé par l’UE, élaborera un nouveau cadre pour la gouvernance de la biologie synthétique visant à garantir que l’innovation équitable et responsable réponde aux défis mondiaux que sont notamment l’agriculture durable et la protection de l’environnement. Ce cadre reposera sur une évaluation de l’état actuel du droit international et de la gouvernance. Il se fondera également sur un examen des cadres théoriques existants en matière de gestion des risques et de recherche et d’innovation responsables, y compris les approches sexospécifiques. En outre, le projet développera une typologie des acteurs concernés et de de la vision que ces derniers ont de la réglementation, en particulier dans le domaine de l’agriculture.
Objectif
Synthetic biology aims to exercise control in the design, characterization and construction of living organisms and biological parts. No longer the domain of science fiction literature, it has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years, accompanied by great promises and grave risks. Law and governance lag behind. Lab experimentation and field trials take place in a legal vacuum. On top of companies and research institutes, a vibrant do-it-yourself community is engaged in research, claiming to democratize innovation. Global deliberations on the environmental and socio-economic impacts have only recently begun under the auspices of UN multilateral environmental agreements, and policy-relevant academic analysis is urgently needed. Based on my academic record in international environmental law and governance of novel technologies and my empirical knowledge of intergovernmental negotiations, complemented by training in socio-legal methodologies during the fellowship, I will develop a new integrative framework for the governance of synthetic biology. It will be built upon: a) an assessment of the current state of international law and governance, including an analysis of regulatory gaps and novel normative challenges; b) an examination of existing theoretical frameworks on risk management and responsible research and innovation, including gendered approaches to risk that have been understudied to date; and c) a typology of actors involved in synthetic biology research, including an analysis of who does what, why, and how they envisage regulation, with a particular focus on gene editing in agriculture. Aiming at improving accountability and enhancing legitimacy, both of law and governance and of the innovation process, this framework will not only bridge gaps in scholarly efforts but will also facilitate decision making, ensuring that synthetic biology applications promote the global objectives of food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinateur
38122 Trento
Italie