Synthetic biology is a field of biotechnology that is rapidly growing in various applications
such as in medicine environmental sustainability and energy production. However these
technologies also have unforeseen risks and applications to humans and the environment. This
open access book presents discussions on risks and mitigation strategies for these technologies
including biosecurity or the potential of synthetic biology technologies and processes to be
deliberately misused for nefarious purposes. The book presents strategies to prevent mitigate
and recover from 'dual-use concern' biosecurity challenges that may be raised by individuals
rogue states or non-state actors. Several key topics are explored including opportunities to
develop more coherent and scalable approaches to govern biosecurity from a laboratory
perspective up to the international scale and strategies to prevent potential health and
environmental hazards posed by deliberate misuse of synthetic biology without stifling
innovation. The book brings together the expertise of top scholars in synthetic biology and
biotechnology risk assessment management and communication to discuss potential biosecurity
governing strategies and offer perspectives for collaboration in oversight and future
regulatory guidance.
