DSIT and RAND Europe survey on UK gene synthesis screening policy (Users)

1. Welcome

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Engineering Biology Responsible Innovation Implementation and Monitoring Survey

You are invited to take part in a study on the implementation and monitoring of responsible innovation practices in engineering biology, with a focus on nucleic acid synthesis screening. Please read the information below carefully before participating. If you have any questions, contact the Project Manager, Devika Kapoor, at dkapoor@randeurope.org. 

What is the purpose of the project?

The UK Government, through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), views engineering biology as a priority frontier technology with significant potential to drive economic growth, address societal challenges, and enhance national security. DSIT is committed to fostering responsible innovation while maintaining a pro-innovation approach to safely unlock these benefits.

This study, commissioned by DSIT and led by RAND Europe, aims to understand the adoption of nucleic acid synthesis screening practices among UK-based users and providers, particularly following the October 2024 UK screening guidance. The study will gather evidence on current practices, barriers, and enablers to inform supportive policy development. Information will be used solely to understand sector-wide trends and support the research community. Responses indicating limited or no screening will not result in any negative consequences. All responses will be anonymised, and no individual data will be shared with DSIT.

RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research institute based in Cambridge, UK, and Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to improving policy through evidence-based research.

Why have I been chosen, and do I have to take part?

You have been contacted due to your experience as a user or provider of nucleic acid synthesis services in the UK. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without penalty.

What will taking part involve?

Participation involves completing an online survey via SmartSurvey, taking approximately 20 minutes. The survey also has a save and continue feature if you aren't able to complete it all at once. The survey includes multiple-choice and open-text questions about your experiences with synthesis screening and responsible innovation. The deadline for completing the survey is Friday 30th January - 17:00pm.

How will my information be used?

All responses will be anonymised and analysed in aggregate to identify sector trends. Raw data will be stored securely, used only for this study, and destroyed after project completion (expected mid-2026). No identifiable information will be shared outside the research team.

Data Protection

RAND Europe will process personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK & EU GDPR requirements. Only minimal personal data (e.g. role or organisation type, if provided) will be collected. Access to data will be limited to the research team on a need-to-know basis, with appropriate safeguards in place.

Data will be stored on secure servers in RAND Europe’s Cambridge office. Encrypted backups will be held securely within the UK. You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data. For more information, see RAND Europe’s Corporate Privacy Statement: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/privacy.html

Consent Statement

By proceeding with the survey, you confirm that you have read and understood this information and agree to participate voluntarily. You understand that your responses will be anonymised, analysed and published only in aggregate, used solely for research and policy development, and securely destroyed after project completion.

 

Glossary:

  • Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (ATCSA): UK legislation including Schedule 5, which lists regulated pathogens and toxins relevant to sequences of concern (SOCs). Users must comply when handling related synthetic nucleic acids.

  • Biosafety/Biosecurity Screening: The process of assessing risks in synthetic nucleic acids, including customer screening (verifying identity and legitimacy) and sequence screening (checking for Sequence of concern) to prevent misuse.

  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): UK regulations with Hazard Groups 3 and 4 in Schedule 3, listing biological agents relevant to SOCs; informs risk assessments for harmful substances.

  • Customer Screening: Provider verification of user identity, legitimacy, and intent, including details like affiliation, purpose, and biosafety officer. Users should provide accurate information.

  • International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC): An industry group requiring members to perform sequence and customer screening against standardized lists.

  • Know-Your-Customer (KYC): Verification of user identity, intent, and risk profile as part of customer screening to mitigate misuse.

  • Sequences of Concern (SOC): Nucleotide sequences contributing to pathogenicity, virulence, or toxicity, matching regulated agents under UK laws (e.g., ATCSA, SAPO, COSHH, export controls), except in unregulated organisms or toxins.

  • Special Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO): UK regulation with Groups 3 and 4 in Schedule 1, listing pathogens relevant to SOCs; users assess compliance for related orders.