Call for expression of interest: Independent, scientific study on synthetic biology

the Conference of the Parties requested the Executive Secretary to commission an independent scientific study compiling and summarizing existing scientific studies, public research and development funding needs and priorities, as well as research road maps on synthetic biology applications that are relevant to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, in particular its Targets 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 17. 1.

Accordingly, the Executive Secretary invites the submission of expressions of interest from candidates or teams of candidates from governmental agencies, research and academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations to conduct this independent scientific study. Description of duties and expected outcomes The contractor(s)/consultant(s) will carry out the study in line with the request in paragraph 9(b) of decision 16/21. In doing so, the contractor/consultant(s) should as much as possible guide his/her work based on: (i) Scientifically sound information that has been published in peer-reviewed journals; (ii) Regionally-balanced information gathering exercises, that may involve discussions to gather information from national competent authorities and stakeholders on public research initiatives and funding needs and priorities; (iii) Synthetic biology research roadmaps; and (iv) The potential contributions of synthetic biology applications to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (particularly Targets 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 17). Any relevant data from during the course of the work should be extracted, analysed and synthesized in an objective and neutral manner.

The scope of the study should be guided by the operational definition of “synthetic biology”,2 which was developed by the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology in 2015, and considered by the Conference of the Parties in decision XIII/17 as useful as a starting point for the purpose of facilitating scientific and technical deliberations under the Convention and its Protocols. Further, the study must use a scientifically sound and documented methodology to conduct any relevant literature searches or analysis. The study should be undertaken using systematic review methodology and include: A description of (Boolean) search terms utilized when searching literature, a list of the literature consulted, the persons contacted to gather information, and any other relevant information that support the application of a comprehensive, neutral and transparent work. The study should consider that the varying capacities of countries to conduct research and development, and assessment within the field of synthetic biology. The study delivered by the contractor/consultant(s) will be submitted for a peer review process. The contractor(s)/consultant(s) will then need to incorporate the comments received in the finalization of the study prior to the in-person meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology. The study and formatting of the references should be aligned with the established United Nations Editorial Manual, which is available at: https://www.un.org/dgacm/en/content/editorial-manual. Expected outcomes: (a) Delivery of work plan made by the contractor(s)/consultant(s) including list of stakeholders, national competent authorities and others to be contacted. To be delivered as electronic document. Indicators: - Clear work plan indicating time frames, possible sources or search strings, a tentative table of contents, methodology to be followed and expected results. The work plan must reflect a neutral approach and the list of possible stakeholders and national authorities to be contacted reflects a variety of countries with different know-how and capacities in relation. (b) First draft of the study. To be delivered as electronic document. This is an intermediate result. Indicators: - A complete first draft of the study, including: • A list of the literature consulted; • Outline of the methodology used for the systematic review; • A list of persons contacted to gather information; • Any other relevant information that supports the application of a comprehensive, neutral and transparent work; and • An output incorporates the comments and suggestions provided by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. (c) Second draft of the study. To be delivered as electronic documents. This is an intermediate result. Indicators: - A complete second draft of the study, including:

For further information pls read :

https://www.cbd.int/doc/vacancies/2025/eoi/eoi-2025-01-synbio-en.pdf.