The Asian SynCell Initiative

The inaugural SynCell Asia Workshop marked a milestone in uniting leading scientists across Asia who are pioneering the construction of synthetic cells from the ground up. Co-hosted by the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the Asian Synthetic Biology Association (ASBA), the event fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and expertise.

Each participating lab showcased its unique strengths—from energy autonomy and compartmentalization to molecular integration—offering the community a clearer understanding of complementary capabilities. This mutual recognition laid a strong foundation for future collaborations, particularly in integrating state-of-the-art modules from specialized teams.

Discussions extended beyond science, as national representatives explored mechanisms for sustained collaboration, including young scholar exchanges and coordinated funding strategies. A shared emphasis on biosafety underscored the community's commitment to responsible innovation.

With Asia's synthetic biology infrastructure rapidly expanding, attendees expressed enthusiasm for leveraging regional biofoundries as collaborative platforms. These facilities promise to accelerate iteration cycles, enhance module interoperability, and—critically—standardize experimental workflows to improve reproducibility, a cornerstone for realizing the first living synthetic cell.

To maintain momentum, participants agreed to initiate biweekly online seminars focused on SynCell research and to establish an annual SynCell-dedicated workshop within the ASBA meeting. Through continued dialogue and shared vision, the SynCell Asia community is poised to grow stronger, more connected, and more impactful.

Original paper: Meifang Fu, Xuefei Li, Weijie Zhao, The Asian Synthetic Cell Initiative: highlights from the first SynCell Asia workshop, National Science Review, Volume 12, Issue 2, February 2025, nwae377. https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwae377