Umstritten

> A radical new endeavor, the Synthetic Human Genome Project, is attempting to build synthetic human DNA from scratch, but who is asking how this science will impact society? Leading an effort to analyze these new genomic developments from a social science perspective is Professor Joy Zhang of the University of Kent.

> Zhang says the new project represents a fundamental shift, even compared to the advanced CRISPR technology making headlines today. While CRISPR is relatively inexpensive and accessible, synthetic DNA is a more ambitious undertaking, requiring **greater skill and specialized facilities—but offering broader and more fundamental possibilities.**

> Her team is interested in “how different communities relate to the synthetic human genome,” with Zhang noting that different cultures have varying perspectives. Understanding these concerns will be essential for sharing the project’s knowledge responsibly and fairly.

> The project aims to investigate a range of reactions, examining the views of civil society, industry, academia, and policymakers. Their methodology will combine direct data collection—including interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observations—with analysis of media coverage and official policies.