Kickoff workshop for the Capital Area Synthetic Biology Activity Hub (CASBAH)

The greater Capital Region is a hidden gem in the field of synthetic biology research, with world-class laboratories in academia and government, innovative scientists, and unparalleled proximity to sponsors. At the same time, the number of cross-institution interactions and collaborations is perhaps smaller than it could be. In light of an increasingly competitive funding landscape and the potential benefits of strong multi-institution teams, there is a growing interest in strengthening ties across the region.

On October 1, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will be hosting a one-day virtual workshop to bring together leaders in synthetic biology and related fields from university, government, and defense labs in the region. It is our hope that this workshop will serve as the kickoff for a larger, community-driven effort to coordinate research activities and lead to the creation of a robust regional research network—a Capital Area SynBio Activity Hub (CASBAH), if you will.

The workshop will include:

• Introductions and group overviews given by leading investigators in the region, with emphasis on specific research interests and capabilities, type/focus of research activities (e.g., basic, applied, translational, etc.), and relationships to stakeholders
• Open discussions on the appetite for a regional research network—what it could look like, what the goals could be, and what activities could sustain it
• Brainstorming on how to best leverage nearby institutions to increase opportunities for junior researchers
• Development of a group strategy for effective engagement with sponsors

The meeting will be a closed event, with registration only possible for those whose emails are on the invite list. However, anyone in the general Capital Region that’s actively conducting research in synthetic biology or related fields is welcome and encouraged to participate. If you have not already received an emailed invitation, please contact the organizers at CASBAH@jhuapl.edu to get on the list.

This event is hosted by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, but will be made successful by you.