Austria
I am very much interested in the intersection of biology and technology and enjoy the exploration of novel biosafety solutions, future applications and creative science communication in the field of synthetic and xeno-biology, neuro- and converging technologies. With a background in biomedical engineering, biology, ecological risk assessment and social psychology I have published 40+peer review science articles and edited three books in the field of biosafety, risk assessment and communication of synthetic biology; acted as science and policy advisor internationally; produced several science documentary films; trained researchers in academia and industry to effectively communicate their work; created and produced the BIO·FICTION Science Art Film Festival series; produced and curated several art and design exhibitions; initiated and supported a number of artists in residence.
Founder and team leader of BIOFACTION KG, a research, technology assessment and science communication company in Vienna, Austria. We carry out technology and biosafety assessment, science communication, and explore the art-design-science frontiers. At Biofaction I manage an interdiscriplinary team consisting of life scientists, anthropologists, media professionals, animators, designers and communication experts. We produce scientific reports and publications, science films, interactive science exhibitions, science film festivals; provide communication training for researchers, and support policy makers. Thematically we mainly work in the field of GMOs, xeno- and synthetic biology, neuro- and converging technologies.
Ongoing EU Horizon: 2023 – 2027 Mi-Hy: Microbial Hydroponics: Circular Sustainable Electrobiosynthesis 2023 – 2027 WiLiMan ID: Ecology of Wildlife, Livestock, huMan and Infectious Diseases in changing environments 2023 – 2027 deCYPher: Decipher cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) by digital tools to produce flavonoids and terpenoids 2023 – 2026 Bioindustry 4.0: Research Infrastructure services to promote deep digitalization of Industrial Biotechnology – towards smart biomanufacturing Past: 2018-2021 ERANET NEURON ELSI FUTUREBODY: The Future of the Body in the Light of Neurotechnology 2015-2023 EC H2020: MYCOSYNVAC; BioRoboost; eForFuel; NEWCOTIANA; MADONNA; SINFONIA 2011-2017 EC FP7: ST-FLOW; METACODE; BACH-BERRY; SYNENERGENE; SYNPEPTIDE 2012 World Wide Views on Biodiversity, with Danish Board of Technology 2010-2012 Austrian-Chinese FWF-NSFC: Biosafety and risk assessment needs of synthetic biology in Austria and China 2010-2011 European Parliament STOA: Making Perfect Life – Synthetic Biology
Author of 40+ peer review journal publications, edited 3 books, 25+ book chapters, numerous scientific reports and blogs. For a full and updated list, see: https://www.markusschmidt.eu/?page_id=20
The OECD Global Forum on Technology (GFTech) brings together leading technology experts and forward-looking policymakers to reduce uncertainty around the risks and societal impacts of cutting-edge technologies through a people-centric, rights-based approach. As part of this group, I support dialogue and international cooperation at the intersection of synthetic biology, with the shared goal of promoting responsible innovation, strengthening democratic values and human rights, and fostering sustainable, resilient societies while helping bridge digital and technology divides
Contributing blogs to Nature Biotechnology: Bioentrepreneur – Trade Secrets Blog
Contributed to the SCENIHR Working Group on Synthetic Biology, Co-authoring three opinions for the European Commission: (1) Definition of Synthetic Biology; (2) Risk assessment methodologies and safety aspects; and (3) Risks to the environment and biodiversity related to synthetic biology and research priorities in the field of synthetic biology.