Beren Sekerci
Job Title
PhD Student
Research interests
Research interests
My Wellcome Trust-funded PhD focuses on the social dimensions of AI-enabled synthetic biology practices. I explore how hybridity is being realised in practice in materials synthetic biology, specifically in biorobotics, in countries such as the UK, Japan, the USA, and Switzerland.
Previously, I conducted research looking into the place of the organism in synthetic biology. I also conducted research on social sustainability framings in synthetic biology discourse.
Background
I am Beren Sekerci, a doctoral researcher combining Biotechnology, Sociology of Science, and Innovation Studies approaches to imagine more democratic futures of synthetic biology. Originally from Turkey, I am now pursuing my PhD at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Professor Jane Calvert.
Having previously conducted research where I collaborated with engineers, synthetic biologists, and social scientists, I believe that my personal history and the different paths I have taken throughout my academic journey form the backbone of my research and career interests. I studied Biotechnology Honours as my undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh which was followed by a Master's in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation, and Governance from the University of Edinburgh.
The interdisciplinary approach I have taken throughout my studies, which merges sociology of science, natural sciences, and innovation studies, has been crucial in exposing me to various dimensions of the biotechnology landscape. My Wellcome Trust-funded PhD focuses on the social dimensions of AI-enabled synthetic biology practices. I explore how hybridity is being realised in practice in materials synthetic biology, specifically in biorobotics, in countries such as the UK, Japan, the USA, and Switzerland.