Alessandro Delfanti, "The History of Politics of Distributed Biotechnology"

Alessandro Delfanti (Assistant Prof. of Culture and New Media at the University of Toronto) presents:

“The History of Politics of Distributed Biotechnology”

Lunch workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, Cone 112, 11:30-12:45 (note changed start time from last year!).

Free and open to the public - but please RSVP Here by Oct. 25 so we can order food!

Abstract: Do-it-yourself biology groups, start ups and citizen biotech labs share the vision of a “distributed biotechnology” that includes amateurs and broadens life science research beyond the limits of institutional laboratories. This phenomenon is made possible by the availability of laboratory equipment and digital platforms designed to foster citizen contribution to biotechnology research. It differs from traditional forms of citizen science, as it draws on elements from hacker cultures and adopts molecular biology as its main scientific framework. By envisioning a biotechnology free from centralized control, open to public participation, based on market-like mechanisms and consumer-friendly, distributed biotechnology intersects with the broader political economy of science. While it affects the distribution of power within the life sciences, distributed biotechnology is geared towards the creation of new forms of value.

Prof. Delfanti appears as part of our series on "Biohacking," cosponsored by NC Biotech.

For a series flyer, click here.