Team:CityU HK/Survey

Results - iGEM2015 wiki

CityU's Outreach Survey

          We are aware of the controversial nature of constructing probiotic E.coli and the concerns people may have with the use of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). The team conducted a survey to gather opinions from the general public with regards to issues on bioethics and bio-safety of synthetic biology.
          
          Our aim was to learn the extent of the public's understanding and acceptance of synthetic biology and lactose intolerance. The results of the survey would help us devise a comprehensive module for general education on synthetic biology.

Results
Does synthetic biology have a significant impact on welfare of the human society?
          60% of the interviewees think that synthetic biology will have a significant impact on humans in the coming years. This shows that they understand the importance of the applications of synthetic biology in our daily life.
          27% of the interviewees were neutral about the significance of synthetic biology, while only 9% think there is nothing significant about the application of this new area of science.
          Although our results show that majority of the interviewees think that the impact of  synthetic biology is significant, but nonetheless, they expressed concerns over the bio-engineered products that may arise. 
          More than 100 interviewees think that bio-safety is an important issue that should be addressed with the development of synthetic biology. Although hygiene is also an important consideration, it is only ranked second to bio-safety. 
     Less than 50 interviewees ranked ethics not as important as the others with regards to products made through this new rising technology.
          There are countless possibilities in this rising field of science and indeed, our interviewees also have the same perception in view of its usefulness in a wide range of application.
         The general public think that the application of synthetic biology has positive impact to the health industry, which can benefit and affect  people significantly.
          The application on pharmaceutical  and food industry are equally as important since they affects the well-being of individuals and eventually the standard of living of the whole community.