BIOS 29. Translating SynBio w/ Jim Collins - Professor @ MIT / Core Faculty @ Wyss Institute
Oct 28, 2021
Jim Collins, a pioneer in synthetic biology and Professor at MIT, discusses his journey from physics to groundbreaking innovations in healthcare. He highlights the transformative potential of AI and CRISPR technology in addressing global challenges like antibiotic resistance and rapid diagnostics, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collins shares insights on ethical leadership in biotech and the importance of empowering the next generation of innovators, emphasizing a future where synthetic biology revolutionizes sustainability and health.
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Career Shift
- Jim Collins transitioned from studying whole-body dynamics to molecular biology.
- This shift led him to help launch synthetic biology.
Inventing the Future with SynBio
- Inventing the future involves advancing biological technology to address broad challenges.
- Synthetic biology will likely be a dominant technology, impacting medicine, global health, and sustainability.
From Systems to Synthetic Biology
- Jim Collins's lab explored systems biology but found the tools limited.
- They pivoted to a 'tinkerer' approach, assembling molecular components, which helped launch synthetic biology.