Assessing Needs of the Synthetic Cell Community for Open Coordination

This report presents findings from a qualitative research study examining the role of open science in the synthetic cell research community.

In the study, Conscience examined themes related to collaboration, open science/open source practices, intellectual property (IP) management, and perceptions of the Nucleus platform and b.next. Based on in-depth interviews with 16 synthetic cell researchers and three institutional technology transfer office (TTO) professionals conducted between July and November 2025, the study provides a detailed account of current practices, challenges and opportunities for strengthening open science/open source in this promising and scientifically-challenging field. This research was commissioned by b.next to begin the process of establishing community-derived Open Science Principles and operational practices that are rational and sustainable within the scientific, institutional and commercial realities of synthetic biology.

This study was funded by b.next. and conducted through the Conscience Medicines Network. Data was collected and analyzed by Sarah Ali-Khan. Neither
Conscience nor b.next Inc. was informed about who was interviewed and were presented only with non-attributable summaries of what interviewees said. There is no direct relationship between b.next and Conscience or Sarah Ali-Khan. Interviewees were informed of the support given to Conscience by b.next to perform this study through the informed consent process.