Our century’s frontier is biological: how can we best set our course to take life forward? Megan Palmer, a scientist and engineer by training, now focuses on where synthetic biology meets (and will meet) policy. She discusses her work on standards and practices to assure synthetic biology will be safe, responsible and good for the world.

Dr. Megan J. Palmer is a Senior Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University. She leads a research and practice program on risk governance in emerging technology development, with a focus on how security is conceived and managed as biotechnology becomes increasing accessible. Her current projects focus on assessing strategies for governing dual use research, analyzing the international diffusion of safety norms and practices, and understanding the security implications of alternative technology design decisions. She also sits on the board of Revive & Restore.