Working Towards a Sneakernet for Libre Biotech Wetware
07-14, 12:00–12:50 (US/Eastern), Little Theatre

A valuable feature of biological organisms is that their code (DNA) is contained in their self-replicating hardware. That means it should be possible to develop biotech (tools) that can be shared as easily as plant clippings. In practice, the investment required to do that development is only mobilized when the assurances of intellectual property can be claimed and enforced in order to protect the investment. How then can we work towards a world where biotech innovations can be more easily accessed by anyone? What does a sneakernet for biotech wetware even look like and what sorts of things would it be good for exchanging? This talk will first tell a story about how open data principles have shaped genomic research, then describe the gaps in that openness extending to biotech in general. That will be followed by a description of some examples of how we share biotech wetware and what it could look like in the future.

Danny Chan received his MSc in microbiology during the course of his PhD candidacy in S.aureus infectious disease models using skin organoids. He was a research technician for many years in multiple fields including cellulosic ethanol production, protein crystallography, prefrontal cortex development, and heat shock proteins before working as a medical editor, fact checking pharmaceutical ads in an agency. He seeks to apply his skills and knowledge of science and industry with compassionate sensibilities in order to foster new institutions that empower folks with the tools of biotech. Currently he freelances, organizes with various autonomous collectives, teaches, and pursues independent research centered around protocol development for the DIY science community.
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