“CAN IT CHANGE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE?”

The modularity and concomitant de-skilling aspects of synthetic biology have not only sparked fresh enthusiasm for citizen science but also evoked new reflections on (cosmopolitan) scientific citizenship. Deliberations on governing principles and standards often involve transnational participation with actors outside of conventional scientific and regulatory establishments. Arguably, the modular approach of synthetic biology has simultaneously fragmented the organization of science and flattened the conventional hierarchy of governance globally. However, to what extent has diversification in participation been translated into substantive epistemic diversity in governance? Drawing on two parallel efforts to establish global ethical guidelines driven by communities in India and in China, this talk examines whether synthetic biology has engendered transformative impacts on the structuring and delivery of global governance.

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