On 21 May 2015, Athena ( VU University Amsterdam) organizes a theatrical debate on synthetic biology at Het Huis Utrecht in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Through the 'medium' of a theatrical debate we experiment together with - and reflect on - possible 'Synbio-futures’ to learn how the perspective from which we look at the world affects how we think about issues, possibilities and dilemmas we relate to the field. There are many different ways by which people think about our future with (or without) synthetic biology. Each way of thinking may exist; moreover a diversity of ideas helps to stay focused, learn from each other and to develop innovative perspectives together with one another.

The theatrical debate aims to equip people with ideas and experiences - namely theatrical sketches - to form an own opinion about issues, possibilities and dilemmas surrounding synthetic biology, as well as understand opinions of others, which helps to create mutual respect for each view. By organizing this debate we hope to contribute to a respectful dialogue on synthetic biology in society - both now and in the future. We are investigatin whether the theatrical debate can be applied as well as a first step for more extensive science-society processes in line with RRI, such as e.g. the inclusive creation of research agendas for the field.

More information about the debate is available (in Dutch) on the website of this event: www.syn-bio.jimdo.com Reference to the location of this event (there is a series of 3 of which 2 take place at other locations): https://www.hethuisutrecht.nl/