First-of-Its-Kind Synthetic Biology School Established to Fuel Global Bioeconomy

On April 29, Tianjin University (TJU) proudly announced the official establishment of the School of Synthetic Biology and Bio-manufacturing, marking a significant milestone in the university's commitment to interdisciplinary research, innovation, and global sustainable development.

The newly inaugurated school will leverage TJU’s existing strengths in biology, artificial intelligence, and engineering to address pressing global challenges, including sustainable energy solutions, healthcare advancements, environmental conservation, and next-generation materials.

Synthetic biology, a rapidly evolving field that involves designing or reconstructing biological systems, shows enormous promise for transformative innovations. These include DNA-based digital storage capable of encoding massive amounts of data within microscopic volumes, revolutionary gene-editing techniques to treat inherited diseases, and engineered microbes designed to efficiently degrade pollutants and reduce environmental impact.

Dunhuang murals stored in DNA

According to global consultancy McKinsey & Company, synthetic biology and bio-manufacturing may account for up to 60% of global material production in the coming decades, representing a potential economic impact of approximately 30 trillion USD. Recognizing this immense potential, Tianjin University has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of global synthetic biology research and education.

TJU currently hosts China's first State Key Laboratory dedicated to synthetic biology, reflecting the university’s national leadership in this scientific area. Over the past five years, Tianjin University researchers have consistently ranked first globally in synthetic biology-related research publications.

The research team publishes a cover story in the journal Science.

The establishment of this dedicated school expands TJU’s comprehensive educational framework in synthetic biology, which now spans from undergraduate education through doctoral training. University leaders emphasized that the new school will foster innovative research collaborations, nurture talented interdisciplinary professionals, and propel TJU into the global forefront of synthetic biology and sustainable bio-manufacturing.

"Tianjin University is committed to tackling humanity’s most demanding challenges through scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration," said a senior university official during the inauguration ceremony. "The School of Synthetic Biology and Bio-manufacturing is a critical step toward realizing our vision of a more sustainable future."

The event was attended by university leadership, faculty members, students, and distinguished experts in the field, highlighting broad enthusiasm and support within the academic and scientific communities.

By Eva Yin