Synthetic biology is an emerging interdisciplinary domain that focuses on the design of biological parts and systems. Despite synthetic biology’s envisioned contribution in tackling various global challenges, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding its potential impacts, benefits and risks. Germany in particular faces a challenging conflict in terms of policy making and regulations, showing large potential to develop synthetic biology but also with a general critical public opinion on genetic modification. Here, we briefly outline how TranSTEP – an approach that aims for integrating perspectives from different assessment domains and disciplines – might support assessment and decision making processes in the case of synthetic biology.
