Northwestern’s Center for Synthetic Biology Celebrates a Decade of Discovery, Collaboration, and Impact

In 2016, the Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB) was founded with a bold mission: to advance the frontiers of fundamental science and engineering research that allows us to reuse, repurpose, and reconfigure biological systems to address society’s most pressing challenges. Ten years later, we are proud to celebrate a decade of groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. 

Over the past decade, CSB faculty, students, and partners have helped shape the field of synthetic biology—from pioneering new tools and technologies, to making an impact on global challenges in health, energy, and the environment. We’ve grown into a vibrant hub for innovation, education and translational science. 

With more than 300 students, postdocs and researchers, including 24 faculty across three Northwestern schools, CSB labs have secured over $53 million in research funding to date with nearly a dozen research collaborations ongoing. The Center’s research and translation efforts have contributed significant advancements to the field, with nearly 500 publications since 2020 and nine startup companies founded from CSB research. 

“It has been one of the most thrilling parts of my career to contribute to the CSBs growth from birth to an international powerhouse in only ten years,” said Julius B. Lucks, the Margery Claire Carlson Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Co-Director of the Center for Synthetic Biology. “We have made research breakthroughs, trained students who are now leading professors in synthetic biology across the country, and created an engine for spinning out synthetic biology technologies. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our past successes, our present community, and to chart a path for the next 10 years of impact.”  

Join Us for a Year of Celebration 

To mark our 10-year milestone, CSB is launching a year-long celebration filled with events that honor the Center’s past, showcase its present, and envision its future. Center alumni, collaborators, friends, and the broader scientific community are invited to participate in activities throughout the year. 

10-Year Anniversary events will include: 

May 13 & 14, 2026: 10th Anniversary Celebration & Retreat  

This signature event will bring together current members, alumni, partners, collaborators, and supporters for reflection, reconnection, and forward-thinking discussion. The event will include keynote talks, panel discussions, and a celebratory reception. Please Save the Date — details are coming soon! 

Anniversary Seminar Series 

In the lead-up to the anniversary, CSB is partnering with other leading Northwestern centers and institutes to host a series of events showcasing how CSB is forging connections across the University to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

Following are a list of events currently on the calendar: 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Michael Grunwald: We Are Eating the Earth 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Grunwald, award-winning journalist and author of We Are Eating the Earth, will give a talk about his best-selling book and the race to fix our food system and save our climate. Event partners include Northwestern’s Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Global Poverty Research Lab, Institute for Policy Research, and Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy.  

The event will take place October 29, 2025, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m., in Pancoe Auditorium, Evanston Campus with a reception at Pancoe Café (2nd Floor) to follow. 

Register Now. 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Kate Rubins American Microbiologist and Retired NASA Astronaut 

Kate Rubins, an American microbiologist and retired NASA astronaut will give a lecture on her experiences performing synthetic biology experiments on the International Space Station, and ideas for how synthetic biology technology will be essential for future space exploration. Our event partner is Northwestern’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics​ (CIERA). More details to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Dario Robleto, Former Northwestern Artist-at-Large 

Dario Robleto, an American transdisciplinary artist, researcher, writer, teacher, and Former Northwestern Artist-at-Large will be the featured speaker, a joint program with the Block Museum of Art. Robleto will be presenting work that looks at the history of communication, helping us pose questions about what will, or should, be the future impacts of synthetic biology. More details to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

“We are excited to commemorate the 10-year milestone with a rich slate of must-attend events throughout the year that showcase the impact of synthetic biology and the CSB both within the university and beyond. This is a milestone for the CSB and Northwestern that celebrates the work of hundreds of people who are solving the biggest problems facing society,” said Danielle Tullman-Ercek, the James N. and Nancy J. Farley Professor in Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship and Co-Director of the Center for Synthetic Biology. 

Check CSB’s events calendar for the latest information about upcoming events, dates, locations, and registration information!