LEAP aims to build processes and communities that actively question, evaluate and respond to emerging challenges in the development of biotechnology.

Active Reflection

Create the time, space, and framework for active reflection on the diverse, and sometimes conflicting, public interests and values.

Catalyzing leadership for biotechnology in the public interest

Synthetic biology is maturing into a globally significant enterprise with potentially far-reaching impacts across energy, the environment and health. Yet the network of people working in synthetic biology is increasingly diverse and distributed, making it ever more challenging to orient and organize efforts to deliver meaningful public goods.

To best advance synthetic biology, and biotechnology more broadly, we need new leaders and strategies for effectively engaging across academic, industry, government and public-benefit organizations.

The Synthetic Biology Leadership Excellence Accelerator Program (LEAP) envisions catalyzing a next generation of leaders in biotechnology to drive the responsible development of the field. In addition to building a cadre of young professionals taking on leadership roles in the synthetic biology community, LEAP aims to create sustainable tools and mechanisms for engaging a broader range of practitioners in the societal role of biotechnology development.

“Most of biotechnology has yet to be imagined let alone made true. LEAP uniquely enables the world’s best and brightest to reflect on what might be done and whether to proceed. The LEAP fellowship is the key leadership community for shaping and realizing a future in which all people and nature flourish in partnership via biology.”

— Drew Endy