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Exploring public perspectives on synthetic biology and its integration with sex/gender characteristics

Author

Listed:
  • Heajin Kim

    (Korea Center for Gendered Innovations for Science and Technology Research)

  • Chae-Won Lee

    (Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences)

  • Eunmi Choi

    (Korea Center for Gendered Innovations for Science and Technology Research)

  • Heisook Lee

    (Korea Center for Gendered Innovations for Science and Technology Research)

Abstract

Synthetic biology is a versatile technology with applications in the environment, medicine, food, energy, and services. Given its direct and indirect impacts on human health, the environment, and food development, sex/gender-integrated research is essential. However, this study is the first to systematically compare public perceptions of synthetic biology with and without sex/gender integration, addressing a critical gap in research. A survey of 300 Korean adults revealed that respondents, regardless of sex/gender, had some knowledge of synthetic biology and generally viewed it positively. Notably, respondents believed that incorporating sex/gender differences in synthetic biology would have a more positive impact than non-inclusive approaches, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in biotechnology. These findings emphasize that integrating sex/gender into all aspects of synthetic biology development and industrialization is crucial for its sustainable advancement. The growing global emphasis on sex/gender-inclusive research suggests that synthetic biology, as a key future technology, must adopt inclusive approaches to enhance safety, reliability, and public trust.

Suggested Citation

  • Heajin Kim & Chae-Won Lee & Eunmi Choi & Heisook Lee, 2025. "Exploring public perspectives on synthetic biology and its integration with sex/gender characteristics," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04960-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04960-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fankang Meng & Tom Ellis, 2020. "The second decade of synthetic biology: 2010–2020," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-4, December.
    2. Christopher A. Voigt, 2020. "Synthetic biology 2020–2030: six commercially-available products that are changing our world," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-6, December.
    3. Bozeman, Barry & Youtie, Jan, 2017. "Socio-economic impacts and public value of government-funded research: Lessons from four US National Science Foundation initiatives," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(8), pages 1387-1398.
    4. Cara Tannenbaum & Robert P. Ellis & Friederike Eyssel & James Zou & Londa Schiebinger, 2019. "Sex and gender analysis improves science and engineering," Nature, Nature, vol. 575(7781), pages 137-146, November.
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