2024: A Year of Growth and Breakthroughs for SynBioBR
In 2024, the Brazilian Association of Synthetic Biology – SynBioBR – achieved significant advancements. From events focused on inclusion and community strengthening to participation in national and international initiatives, we solidified our position as a reference in synthetic biology in Brazil and beyond.
“In March 2025, we celebrated SynBioBR’s 4th anniversary. Reflecting on everything we built in 2024 is to celebrate a collective achievement. We built a strong community, connected people, and propelled synthetic biology in Brazil. This report reflects our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth of our ecosystem. We continue together, expanding our impact and charting the next steps for the future!”
– 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.
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Instagram Followers
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LinkedIn Followers
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Newsletter Subscribers
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Event Participants
February: Strengthening the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network
The Network, maintained and linked to SynBioBR, began in October 2023 with the goal of connecting synthetic biology stakeholders in Brazil, driving research and development in the area.
The 1st Virtual Meeting of the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network marked an important milestone: 15 research groups joined the Network, strengthening national collaboration.
March: Celebrating Women in Synthetic Biology
We started the year with a special event in honor of International Women’s Day. The “Women in Synthetic Biology Brunch” brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to celebrate the women transforming synthetic biology in Brazil and around the world!
April: SynBioBR in the Parliamentary Group for Bioeconomy
In partnership with ABBI, we achieved an important milestone: SynBioBR’s participation as institutional partners of the Parliamentary Front for Bioeconomy. This movement strengthens our influence on public policies related to biotechnology, ensuring that synthetic biology is recognized and encouraged as a driver of sustainable development for Brazil.
May: Global Representation
In May, we participated in SynBioBeta: the Global Synthetic Biology Conference, one of the main international events in the sector. We represented Brazil by leading debates on innovation, regulation, and the impacts of synthetic biology on industry and society, alongside other international associations. The participation reinforced the connection of the Brazilian community with the global synthetic biology ecosystem.
In the same month, we held the 2nd Meeting of the Researcher Network, a special moment to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and discuss the next steps for synthetic biology in the country, in a space of innovation and cooperation.
June: A New Opportunity for the Community
In June, we opened the doors to new SynBioBR members. This milestone represents an important step in strengthening our community, connecting people passionate about synthetic biology, and driving collaborations throughout Brazil.
July: Challenges that Connect
In July, we revealed the winners of Circuit Quest, a series of challenges from our News Conecta. It was incredible to see the commitment of each participant and the engagement of the community we strive to cultivate here at SynBioBR.
August: A Historic Month
August was a transformative month for synthetic biology in Brazil, marked by three major initiatives:
Brazilian Conference on Synthetic Biology (CBBS)
The Brazilian Conference on Synthetic Biology (CBBS)aims not only to share knowledge, but also to connect Brazilian stakeholders to boost research and development in Brazil.
In its 1st edition, the event marked the official launch of the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network. With more than 100 participants, the congress brought together a diverse audience at the SENAI Institute of Innovation in Biotechnology (ISI Biotecnologia).
Brazilian Synthetic Biology Olympiad (OBBS)
The Brazilian Synthetic Biology Olympiad is a national challenge for high school students. In 2024, the OBBS reached its fourth edition and, for the first time, was organized by SynBioBR.
We had an impressive participation of 3,794 registrants, coming from all Brazilian states. During the competition, 3,045 students completed the 1st phase, 1,603 reached the 2nd phase, and 528 medalists were awarded, representing 25 of the 27 Brazilian states.
Launch of the Synthetic Biology Observatory
The SynBioBR Observatory was created to map, connect and disseminate advances in synthetic biology in Brazil. The platform provides information on research groups, functioning as a central hub for researchers and companies. The Observatory aims to strengthen transparency and facilitate collaborations, boosting technological development in the country.
BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention
Also in August, SynBioBR closely followed the discussions of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Working Group. It was a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the intersection between biosafety, diplomacy and international politics.
September: New Bridges and Horizons
In partnership with Wylinka and CAOS Focado, we initiated a strategic movement to expand Brazilian representation in the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, one of the most prestigious competitions for deep tech startups. This was a starting point for the Brazilian Delegation at the Global Summit 2025, opening doors for national innovations to reach the global stage.
October: Promoting Transformative Conversations
In October, we held the last SynBioBR Convida of the year, closing this edition with a total of 10 innovative lectures. Throughout 2024, we brought together several professionals to share insights, trends and challenges in the sector, building a rich space for learning and exchanging ideas.
November: Expanding Frontiers
We ended the year with the III Virtual Meeting of the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Network, focused on sustainable growth and the expansion of the Network to new horizons. The event reinforced our commitment to consolidating an active and well-connected research community, now with over 30 affiliated research groups.
A Year of Collective Achievements
None of this would be possible without the effort and dedication of our team. Each initiative, event and connection built is a reflection of the incredible work of:
Cibele Zolnier – Diretora Executiva
Giovanna R. Maklouf – Diretora de Operações
Yala Sampaio – Diretora de Educação
Nájua El Kadri – Diretora de Comunidade
Paulo Aguiar Muniz – Diretor de Política e Regulamentação
Gustavo Nascimento – Diretor Financeiro
Jean Lucas Ribeiro – Diretor de Marketing
Bianca Henriques – Diretora de Parcerias
Ana Paola Lopez Tarqui – Assistente de Educação
Matheus de Castro Leitão – Assistente de Educação
Gabriel Borel – Assistente de Assuntos Regulatórios
Maria Cecília Lelis – Assistente De Assuntos Regulatórios
Eduardo Coqueiro – Assistente de Comunidade
Pedro Cavalcante Frizarini – Redator Científico
Thayanne Soares Costa – Assistente De Marketing
Marcos Oliveira – Assistente De Marketing
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 2025? Contact us at [email protected]
