A gathering of 38 leading scientists has sounded alarms over the burgeoning field of engineering biology, particularly concerning the creation of "mirror life." These artificially designed organisms mirror the DNA of natural life forms but present potential environmental risks. The United Kingdom, although currently a strong player in this scientific frontier, faces significant hurdles that could derail its progress. Despite substantial investments in infrastructure, such as the £7 million biofoundry in London, the country struggles with funding for staff and attracting private investment. A new House of Lords report warns that the UK is at risk of losing its leading edge due to rapid advancements elsewhere, particularly in the United States and Korea.
The biofoundry in London represents a significant public investment, yet it lacks crucial funding for staffing. This shortfall is symptomatic of broader challenges highlighted by the House of Lords report, which points out a "small but closing window" to implement strategic policy changes that could secure the UK's position in engineering biology. The National Vision for Engineering Biology, published in December 2023, allocates £2 billion over ten years to address these issues. However, experts argue that without immediate action, the UK may miss out on economic opportunities and job creation.
The report further criticizes the UK's inability to attract sufficient private investment and produce enough skilled scientists to meet the growing demand in engineering biology. The US's heavy investment, including a $100 million K-Biofoundry in Korea, underscores the competitive nature of this field. Prof Paul Freemont emphasizes that current funding levels for UK biofoundries are inadequate, while Prof Susan Rosser notes the talent drain as trained professionals move overseas to countries like Singapore, the United States, Germany, and Austria.
"We are losing trained people overseas. People from Edinburgh have moved to Singapore, the States, Germany and Austria." – Prof Susan Rosser
The UK's regulatory environment is also under scrutiny. The government has established the Regulatory Innovation Office to streamline processes and encourage innovation. Despite these efforts, the House of Lords report declares that other nations are overtaking the UK, jeopardizing the potential benefits of a world-leading engineering biology sector.
"other countries are beginning to overtake the UK, and we are at severe risk of losing the prospective benefits of a world-leading engineering biology sector" – Unattributed (House of Lords report)
Prof Susan Rosser laments the loss of leadership in this area due to significant foreign investments.
"we were ahead of the game, but we have lost that leadership because of substantial investments in the US and Korea" – Prof Susan Rosser
The concerns extend beyond funding and regulation to public engagement and environmental implications. The creation of mirror life raises questions about potential ecological impacts. One scientist warns of living pollution that could spread uncontrollably through natural ecosystems.
"This could create a new kind of living pollution that could spread in rivers, the sea, the air, in rain and you would not be able to reverse any adverse consequences." – Unattributed
Public engagement is crucial in addressing these concerns. Prof Freemont acknowledges a lapse in this area.
"We've taken our eye off the ball a little bit in engaging with the public." – Prof Freemont
Furthermore, the UK government plans to tighten restrictions on skilled legal migration, potentially exacerbating talent shortages in engineering biology.
"The government intends to increase restrictions on legal skilled migration. That will have a cost for our field." – Dr Carolina Grandellis
Despite these challenges, there is optimism about the potential for sustainable products derived from engineering biology. Prof Angela McLean highlights innovations like eco-friendly handbags as examples of what this field can achieve.
"We are looking for products like this handbag," – Prof Angela McLean
These products promise reduced pollution and increased sustainability while offering economic benefits through job creation and prosperity.
"They will be much less polluting, much more sustainable than their current equivalents, as well as generate great jobs, good environment and prosperity." – Unattributed (Prof Angela McLean)