Research Strategy
BaSyC’s long-term goal is to create a synthetic cell capable of autonomous growth, information processing, and division. To achieve this, the programme focuses on three core cellular functions: generating energy and molecular building blocks (Cell Fuelling), processing and replicating genetic information (DNA Processing), and enabling physical cell reproduction (Cell Division).
A central challenge is the integration of these functions in space and time, ensuring that growth, genome replication, and division are coordinated within a single cell-like system. Ultimately, BaSyC aims to develop increasingly autonomous synthetic cells in which the molecular machinery required for these processes is encoded and maintained by the cell itself.
To address these challenges, researchers collaborate across six interconnected research lines covering: system modelling, cell fuelling, DNA processing, cell division, spatio-temporal integration, and synthetic cell autonomy. In parallel, BaSyC includes a dedicated research line on Philosophy, Ethics and Public Debate, which explores the societal, ethical, and philosophical implications of creating synthetic life and promotes dialogue with researchers, stakeholders, and the wider public.
Discover more about BaSyC:
Information about BaSyC researchers can be found on the SynCellNL Community page, while BaSyC publications are available through the SynCellNL Publications page.