Join us on this course which offers an introduction to synthetic biology in relation to nature conservation, examining its potential risks and potential benefits, and how it is regulated and governed.
About the course
During the course, you will explore potential applications both within the nature conservation sector, and in other sectors (such as agriculture or health) which may have impacts on nature.
The course includes regular prompts to pause and reflect, and contains four immersive exercises exploring the risks and benefits of possible synthetic biology applications in different situations—from protecting endangered species to disease control. You can use these as individual exercises to reflect on the perspectives of the different stakeholders involved, or review them with your peers as a role-playing exercise.
Course details
Launch date: April 2024
🕒 Start date: Anytime
🕒 Duration: 6 – 12 hours in total
📖 Course type: Self-paced
📖 Course includes: 6 modules and 4 exercises
🗨️ Languages: English
Fees: FREE
Who should attend this course?
This course was developed as input into the IUCN Citizens’ Assembly on Synthetic Biology in relation to Nature Conservation, as part of the inclusive and participatory process for development of the IUCN Policy on Synthetic Biology in relation to Nature Conservation, which was adopted by IUCN Members at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. More information about the inclusive and participatory process is available here.
In adopting the policy, IUCN Members highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and building capacity to assist in its implementation. IUCN is therefore making the course available to the entire IUCN constituency and the world at large in this light.
What are the course outcomes?
- Analyse and evaluate data related to nature conservation
- Define and interpret key concepts in synthetic biology
- Identify and evaluate applications of synthetic biology in biodiversity management
- Recognise and assess synthetic biology applications
- Identify existing international regulatory mechanisms governing synthetic biology
- Analyse the need for new international agreements to regulate synthetic biology
- Reflect on the learning experience and engagement
Who developed the course?
This course was primarily developed by the International Council for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), along with IUCN. ICGEB was contracted to serve as trainers for the IUCN Citizens’ Assembly on Synthetic Biology in relation to Nature Conservation, as part of the inclusive and participatory process for development of the policy. The course content was developed in a way to be responsive to the results of a training needs assessment undertaken across the Citizens’ Assembly participants.
Financial support:
Generous contributions towards implementation of WCC 2020 Res 123 were provided by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of the Government of Germany, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Technical support:
Course Includes
- 8 Lessons
- Course Certificate