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Copyright of Journal for Technology in Theory & Practice / Zeitschrift für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Theorie und Praxis (TATuP) is the property of Oekom Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Synthetic biology is an emerging interdisciplinary domain that focuses on the design of biological parts and systems. Despite its envisaged contribution to tackling various global challenges, there is uncertainty regarding potential impacts, benefits and risks of synthetic biology. Assessments can facilitate policy-making and technology governance as a means to both addressing and potentially decreasing uncertainty. In this respect, public engagement has been recommended to improve the societal accountability of techno-scientific development, as well as been criticised for potentially restricting innovative behaviour. Germany faces a challenging conflict: there is considerable potential to develop synthetic biology but public opinion is generally critical towards genetic modification. This paper reviews the nature and purpose of synthetic biology assessments in Germany and analyses their role in the policy-making processes. Overall, the current state of assessments seems to be characterised by a rather early stage of development and a lack of participatory approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]