Beren Sekerci
Thesis title: “A New Class of Artifact”? Exploring the Intersection of Materials Synthetic Biology and Biorobotics
PhD supervisors:
Address
- Street
-
School of Social and Political Science
University of Edinburgh
Old Surgeons' Hall
High School Yards
Edinburgh - City
- Edinburgh
- Post code
- EH1 1LZ
Background
I am Beren Sekerci, a doctoral researcher combining Biotechnology, Sociology of Science, and Innovation Studies approaches to imagine more democratic futures of synthetic biology. Originally from Turkey, I am now pursuing my PhD at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Professor Jane Calvert.
Having previously conducted research where I collaborated with engineers, synthetic biologists, and social scientists, I believe that my personal history and the different paths I have taken throughout my academic journey form the backbone of my research and career interests. I studied Biotechnology Honours as my undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh which was followed by a Master's in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation, and Governance from the University of Edinburgh.
The interdisciplinary approach I have taken throughout my studies, which merges sociology of science, natural sciences, and innovation studies, has been crucial in exposing me to various dimensions of the biotechnology landscape. My Wellcome Trust-funded PhD focuses on the social dimensions of AI-enabled synthetic biology practices. I explore how hybridity is being realised in practice in materials synthetic biology, specifically in biorobotics, in countries such as the UK, Japan, the USA, and Switzerland.
Qualifications
- 2022- Honours Degree (BSc Hons) from Biotechnology- University of Edinburgh
- 2023- Master of Science (MSc) in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance from University of Edinburgh
Research summary
My Wellcome Trust-funded PhD focuses on the social dimensions of AI-enabled synthetic biology practices. I explore how hybridity is being realised in practice in materials synthetic biology, specifically in biorobotics, in countries such as the UK, Japan, the USA, and Switzerland.
Past research interests
Previously, I conducted research looking into the place of the organism in synthetic biology. I also conducted research on social sustainability framings in synthetic biology discourse.Conference details
- ASLM2023- Cape Town, South Africa 2023
- EASST-4S Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2024