About Synbiowatch

Synbiowatch offers critical perspectives and resources on the next generation of genetic engineering (aka GMO 2.0), grounded in ethics and social, economic, and ecological justice. We offer tools, news and analysis monitoring the broad local and global impacts of convergence technologies. Synbiowatch is not affiliated with industry or academia, but responds to concerns from civil society at large.

What are GMOs 2.0? It has been more than 25 years since the first ‘genetically modified organisms’ (GMOs) appeared in the food we eat. Today, a next generation of GMOs have emerged, created through more advanced techniques, referred to as synthetic biology (syn bio) or GMO 2.0. Synthetic biologists employ techniques that allow them to more significantly redesign the genetic makeup of living organisms through constructing, adding, deleting, silencing, or completely rewriting DNA and other genetic elements. They include (but are not limited to) DNA synthesis, genome editing, RNA interference, directed evolution and metabolic engineering. GMO 2.0 ingredients are found in food, feed, cosmetics, fragrances, supplements and more.

 “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” — Albert Einstein

The Synbiowatch website is maintained with the financial support of the Civil Society Forum of the European Union’s Synenergene project.

Collaborating Organizations