The 2nd European TA conference, PACITA 2015, draws near, and it's impressive to see that synthetic biology is of central importance to European TA researchers. Synthetic biology is covered by a total of 11 presentations in the scientific programme, with a whole session dedicated to issues of "societal evaluation and public dialogue".

In addition, there is also a "special format" session, featuring films from the BIO•FICTION Science Art Film Festival in Vienna that reveal a different perspective on synthetic biology and offer a good ground for further reflections and discussions about ethical and societal implications, the current state and the future of synthetic biology.

An overview of all synbio-related presentations can be found below. For more information, also on the other interesting themes and sessions, have a look at the PACITA 2015 programme (pdf) and book of abstracts (pdf).

Registration is still open - to register, visit the conference website and meet several SYNENERGENE partners in Berlin, 25-28 February 2015. If you cannot make it to Berlin, follow us on Twitter (@synenergene) to stay updated about the conference.

Overview of synbio-related presentations at PACITA 2015:

• A. Bogner: What’s The Problem With Upstream Engagement? The Case Of Synthetic Biology
  (Wed, 25 Feb 2015, 3:30-6:45 pm)
• S. Albrecht et al.: Enriching the Methodological Scope of Prospective Technology Assessment – First Impressions from SYNENERGENE, the ‘Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan’ on Synthetic Biology
  (Wed, 25 Feb 2015, 3:30-6:45 pm)
• C. Coenen et al.: Making Sense of RRI in the SYNENERGENE Project
  (Thur, 26 Feb 2015, 10:30 am-12:30 pm)

S.B. Seitz: Session "Approaching Synthetic Biology for Societal Evaluation and Public Dialogue" (Thur, 26 Feb 2015, 10:30 am-12:30 pm)

• M. Engelhard: Differentiating the Discussion on Synthetic Biology
• V. Rerimassie: SynBio Politics: Bringing Synthetic Biology into Debate in the Netherlands
• B. Wray: The Need for Experimental Communication in Synthetic Biology
• R. Trojok: Biohacking as Citizen Scientists and the Global DIYbio Scene – an Introduction: Who Are Biohackers and What Is It About?

• O.B. Giese/A. v. Gleich: Early Indicators in Technology Assessment
  (Thur, 26 Feb 2015, 2:30-4:00 pm)

• H. Torgersen/A. Bogner: Problematizing New Technology: How to Make Sense of Synthetic Biology
  (Fri, 27 Feb 2015, 9:00-12:45 am)
• V. Rerimassie: Beyond Parliament: Facilitating Political Engagement with Synthetic Biology by Reaching out to Political Partie
  (Fri, 27 Feb 2015, 9:00-12:45 am)
• D. Stemerding: From TA of to RRI in Synthetic Biology
  (Fri, 27 Feb 2015, 11:15 am-12:45 pm)

W. Kerbe/A. Khodzhaeva: Interactive session "BIO•FICTION Film Lounge"
(Thur, 26 Feb 2015, 2:30-4:00 pm)