OVERVIEW

Singapore has set its sights on becoming a global powerhouse in synthetic biology. The government is pouring money into a new research programme and is encouraging scientists to make synthetic microorganisms, or redesign natural ones, that can be used to produce food, electronics, medicine and energy.

• Yet after looking at biology syllabuses, we found that there aren’t many opportunities to learn about synthetic biology in tertiary education
• Insert pictures of biology syllabuses
• engineering biology in NUS n NTU – limited modules, also not a compulsory module…?
• There is a gap we can address because tertiary education is the best stage to attract/introduce people to synthetic biology
• We expect to be more relatable to such a target group as well

ORGANIZED A TERTIARY-LEVEL OUTREACH EVENT

• Lab tour
• Lectures
• Discussion of career prospects
• Development of a gene circuit design primer and educational game
• READY TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM
• USE THE SURVEYS TO SEE HOW TO IMPROVE THE GAME
• USE THE SURVEYS TO SAY THAT STUDENTS ENJOYED THE GAME
• Discussion of survey results

UNIVERSITY-LEVEL OUTREACH EVENTS

RC Teas

RCs are themed, meant to attract people who feel very strongly about those themes. Can try targeting such people, perhaps their passion makes them more predisposed towards synthetic biology (reasoning to be firmed up a la PW)

• Tembusu – women in synthetic biology
• Encourage girls to join STEM fields – why not encourage them to join synthetic biology?
• Inspiring
• RVRC – environmental conservation
• Show them the potential of synthetic biology to solve problems, give them another cognitive tool

SOCIAL MEDIA

Best way to directly communicate to our target audience

• Demographics
• Show continuous effort to engage with our audience