BrisSynBio Art-Science Dossier

Abstract

Finding avenues for collaboration and engagement between the arts and the sciences (natural and social) was a central theme of investigation for the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and Public Engagement programme at BrisSynBio, a BBSRC/ EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre that is now part of the Bristol BioDesign Institute at University of Bristol (UK). The reflections and experiments that appear in this dossier are a sample of these investigations and are contributed by Maria Fannin, Katy Connor and David Roden. Darian Meacham coordinated and introduces the dossier.

Embedding responsible innovation within synthetic biology research and innovation: insights from a UK multi-disciplinary research centre

“…to more creative and interactive formats (e.g. the 'Invincible' theatre production in collaboration with the Synenergene Project, or the BrisSynBio Artistic/RRI residencies),(see Reinsborough (2020), Fannin et al (2020 for more details). These latter examples reflect an evolution of the strategic approach, with the desire to embed methods rooted in reflexivity, co-creation and co-production that are directly connected with the EPSRC RI Framework dimensions of 'Inclusion', 'Anticipation'; and 'Reflexivity' (see also Stilgoe, Owen, and Macnaghten 2013).…”

“…Blood Culture 2019). RI researchers in the centre have subsequently worked together with the artists-in-residence and other scholars to publish critical analysis and reflections of these particular activities and art-science collaborations as catalysts for RI more broadly (Fannin et al 2020;Reinsborough 2020).…”

“…what we are doing now is somewhat different insofar as we are trying to implement RRI as a form of culture, as a set of practices, meanings, habits, and activities within the centre. (Resident Philosopher) This arts-based approach proved to be influential in terms of the Centre's future RI-related activities (Fannin et al 2020;Reinsborough 2020) as well as those in the wider University. Learning from this experience (and being inspired by it), the Public Engagement team at the University for example have since explored how artist-led processes might be used to foster RI with scientists in fields such as quantum engineering and virtual reality.…”

Blood culture: reimag(in)ing life at a cellular scale

“…Located within the research laboratory, microscopic and other means of imaging are used to observe the processes of extracting haemopoietic stem cells from blood and to analyse how cells and cell lines are manipulated, cultured, and cell populations expanded. Beyond the laboratory, artistic practices consider imaging techniques as another form of epistemic enquiry seeing, as artist Katy Connor writes, ‘human bio-matter as an art medium [that] opens up an intriguing cultural space to critically reflect upon relationships between biology and technology, materiality and ethics, as well as the production of new cultural meanings through metaphor’ (Fannin et al 2020, 31).…”