Workshops on the Societal and Ethical Implications of Microbiome Engineering of the Built Environment
Outcome/Accomplishment
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Precision Microbiome (NSF PreMiEr) is an Engineering Research Center (ERC) based at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. NSF PreMiEr’s Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) team has led a series of workshops where participants from different stakeholders address SEI issues of microbiome engineering.
Impact/Benefits
The first workshop, held in May 2024, involved 80 people from engineering, natural and social sciences, and humanities representing private industry, non-governmental organizations, foundations, academia, and government. Participants collaborated to develop a framework of practices and principles for the responsible development of Microbiomes of the Built Environment (MoBE). A second workshop was held in May 2025 to disseminate that responsible development framework.
Explanation/Background
The 2025 PreMiEr SEI Symposium was a virtual workshop designed to bring together researchers, engineers, ethicists, and policymakers to examine the societal and ethical dimensions of microbiome engineering in the built environment. Participants explored governance frameworks, public perceptions, and strategies for meaningful community engagement. This symposium provided a collaborative space to critically assess the broader implications of microbiome research and identify pathways for responsible innovation.
Location
Durham, North CarolinaStart Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Precision Microbiome (NSF PreMiEr) is an Engineering Research Center (ERC) based at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. NSF PreMiEr’s Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) team has led a series of workshops where participants from different stakeholders address SEI issues of microbiome engineering.
Location
Durham, North CarolinaStart Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The first workshop, held in May 2024, involved 80 people from engineering, natural and social sciences, and humanities representing private industry, non-governmental organizations, foundations, academia, and government. Participants collaborated to develop a framework of practices and principles for the responsible development of Microbiomes of the Built Environment (MoBE). A second workshop was held in May 2025 to disseminate that responsible development framework.
Explanation/Background
The 2025 PreMiEr SEI Symposium was a virtual workshop designed to bring together researchers, engineers, ethicists, and policymakers to examine the societal and ethical dimensions of microbiome engineering in the built environment. Participants explored governance frameworks, public perceptions, and strategies for meaningful community engagement. This symposium provided a collaborative space to critically assess the broader implications of microbiome research and identify pathways for responsible innovation.