2025 Annual Report
2025 was a landmark year for the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Association — SynBioBR. Across research, education, policy, and international engagement, we deepened our roots and expanded our reach. From a national olympiad that reached students in every corner of Brazil to contributions at the United Nations level, this year reflected the maturity of a community that is not only growing but leading.
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– Cibele Zonier, Executive Director at SynBioBR
Impact and Community Growth
In 2024, our community continued to grow and reached new audiences! Our social media platforms saw a significant increase in engagement, reflecting the growing interest in synthetic biology in Brazil. Additionally, our initiatives, events, and content impacted many people, strengthening the connection between scientists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts in the field
+3,1k
Instagram Followers
+2,1k
LinkedIn Followers
+1,6k
Newsletter Subscribers
+250
Event Participants
Membership Base
The Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network
The Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network continued to be one of SynBioBR’s most important pillars in 2025. We maintained and strengthened the Network throughout the year, connecting researchers, students, and professionals across the country in a shared effort to advance synthetic biology in Brazil. Beyond maintaining connections, the Network served as an active platform for collaborative and strategic initiatives — bringing together diverse expertise to address common challenges and opportunities in the field.
A Scientific Publication That Marks a Milestone
One of the most significant achievements of 2025 was the publication of a collaborative scientific article produced with members of the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network.
Unveiling the Frontiers of Synthetic Biology in Brazil: Pioneering the National Synthetic Biology Network, published in ACS Omega
The paper offers a comprehensive overview of the progress of synthetic biology in the country and the structural role the Network has played in shaping that trajectory.
This publication is the result of sustained collective effort and represents a formal, peer-reviewed recognition of what the community has been building together. It also positions Brazil more visibly within the global synthetic biology conversation.
Programs and Events
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Brazilian Conference on Synthetic Biology (CBBS)
Now an established fixture in the Brazilian scientific calendar, the Brazilian Conference on Synthetic Biology continued to grow in 2025. Last year’s edition was the largest yet, with more than 190 participants, including undergrad and graduate students, professors and PhD researchers, and professionals in the field.
CBBS featured 11 oral presentations and 44 posters. The event also presented a dedicated Startup Showcase, a new format creating space for entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures to connect with scientists, investors, and potential collaborators.
The CBBS is growing into a truly regional event, and the vision for the 2027 edition reflects that ambition: the next edition will be hosted at the University of Brasília (UnB), expecting 300 participants, and including Latin American delegations.
Brazilian Synthetic Biology Olympiad (OBBS)
The Brazilian Synthetic Biology Olympiad reached a historic milestone in 2025. With more than 12,000 participants and representation from all 27 Brazilian states, this year’s edition was the largest in the competition’s history. The OBBS is designed for students in middle and high school, offering a challenging and inspiring entry point into the world of synthetic biology.
Reaching young people across every state in Brazil — including regions where scientific infrastructure is still developing — reflects a deep commitment to access and equity in science education.
International Engagement
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Spirit of Asilomar Summit — February 2025
In February 2025, our Executive Director Cibele Zolnier participated in the Spirit of Asilomar Summit, held from February 23 to 26 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in California. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1975 Asilomar Conference on recombinant DNA — a defining moment in how the scientific community thinks about self-governance and responsibility in research.
Cibele was recognized at the event as a Next Generation Leader, a distinction that speaks to the role SynBioBR is playing in shaping the next chapter of biotechnology governance globally.
UNODA Youth Fellowship (BWC) — 2023 to 2025
Since 2023, SynBioBR has maintained a continuous presence in the UNODA Youth Fellowship program, within the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). This multi-year engagement reflects our commitment to biosecurity, bioethics, and responsible governance in biotechnology — not just within Brazil, but on the world stage.
Participating in these discussions allows SynBioBR to bring the voice of the Brazilian scientific community to international forums where the future of biological research is being shaped.
2023: Maria Cecilia
2024: Yala Sampaio
2025: Cibele Zolnier
Contributing to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) — June 2025
In June 2025, SynBioBR was invited by Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) to contribute to the Brazilian position within the CBD Expert Group on Synthetic Biology — a process connected to Decision 16/21 from COP16, held in Colombia. This was a meaningful recognition of SynBioBR’s standing as a representative voice for the Brazilian synthetic biology community.
The contribution involved developing a collective document focused on capacity building, access to technologies, and knowledge sharing in synthetic biology. The process brought together SynBioBR’s Executive Board, Advisory Council, and members — ensuring that the final position reflected the breadth and diversity of our community. Our goal was to represent Brazil responsibly and constructively, advocating for an approach to synthetic biology that is safe, ethical, and innovation-forward.
Driving SynBio Entrepreneurship
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Global Summit Hello Tomorrow – March 2025
SynBioBR supported the Brazilian Delegation to the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, one of the world’s leading gatherings focused on deep tech entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, members were able to connect with global startups, investors, and industry leaders, gaining exposure to cutting-edge innovations and strengthening Brazil’s presence in the international deep tech ecosystem.
SynBioBeta Conference — May 2025
SynBioBR also supported the LATAM Lounge at SynBioBeta Conference, creating a dedicated space to highlight Latin American innovation in synthetic biology. The initiative fostered connections between regional startups, global companies, and investors, reinforcing the visibility and integration of the LATAM synbio ecosystem within the broader global market.
Deep Tech Summit — September 2025
In September 2025, SynBioBR supported the participation of its members in the Deep Tech Summit, held on September 29 and 30 at Complexo Inova USP in São Paulo. Considered one of the largest deep tech festivals in Latin America, the event brought together startups, investors, scientists, and corporations around the theme of disruptive technologies and innovation. SynBioBR offered complimentary tickets to members, ensuring that our community had access to one of the most relevant innovation gatherings in the region — a place where synthetic biology connects with entrepreneurship, investment, and the broader technology landscape.
A Year of Collective Achievements
Everything described in this report was built by people. SynBioBR’s strength comes from the dedication of our team, the trust of our members, and the collaboration of our partners and advisors. Each initiative — whether a scientific publication, an international policy contribution, or a student competition — is the product of collective effort and shared purpose.
We are grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey in 2025. We move forward together.
Cibele Zolnier – Diretora Executiva
Giovanna R. Maklouf – Diretora de Operações
Yala Sampaio – Diretora de Educação
Paulo Aguiar Muniz – Diretor de Política e Regulamentação
Matheus de Castro Leitão – Diretor de Comunidade
Gustavo Nascimento – Tesoureiro
Jean Lucas Ribeiro – Líder de Marketing
Ana Paola Lopez Tarqui – Assistente de Educação
Gabriel Borel – Assistente de Assuntos Regulatórios
Maria Cecília Lelis – Assistente De Assuntos Regulatórios
We would also like to thank our members, partners and collaborators, who have contributed to strengthening our community and driving synthetic biology forward in Brazil!
Would you like to support SynBioBR in 2026? Contact us at [email protected]
