Created by an Act of Congress in 1968, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS) is a non-partisan institution and a federal trust entity which promotes policy-relevant research and dialogue to increase understanding and enhance the capabilities and knowledge of leaders, citizens, and institutions worldwide. At WWCIS, the mission of the Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) is to explore the scientific and technological frontier, stimulating discovery and bringing new tools to bear on public policy challenges that emerge as science advances. Work includes inter alia synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and participatory technology assessment. WWICS is responsible for the international dimensions of SYNENERGENE; and contributes to the “Research & Policy” Platform.