IAP Encourages Nominations for New CBD Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has announced the establishment of a new ad hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Synthetic Biology, following Decision 16/21 of the Conference of the Parties. The Group is mandated to assess the latest scientific and technological advances in synthetic biology and provide advice that will support the development of a draft thematic action plan under the Convention.

The AHTEG will:

• Review and synthesize information gathered during the intersessional period;
• Identify current and potential benefits of synthetic biology;
• Examine the potential negative impacts associated with emerging technologies in the field;
• Provide guidance on capacity-building, technology access, knowledge-sharing and development, taking into account future trends in synthetic biology.

The Group’s report will be presented at the 28th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA).

Call for Nominations

The CBD Secretariat invites Parties, other governments, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women, youth, academia, research institutions, the business sector, and relevant organizations to nominate experts in synthetic biology to participate in the AHTEG.
Nominations from experts who have not previously served on CBD expert groups on synthetic biology are especially encouraged.

Nominations must be submitted by CBD National Focal Points or Heads of organizations in the form of an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary, including:

• Full name and contact details of each nominee
• Curriculum vitae
• Completed interest disclosure form

Submissions should be sent to secretariat@cbd.int no later than 19 December 2025.

Meeting Arrangements and Support

The AHTEG will convene both virtually and in person, with its first in-person meeting provisionally scheduled for 19–22 May 2026 in Montreal, Canada.
With financial support from the European Union, selected eligible participants—including representatives of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women, youth, and academic or research bodies—will receive financial assistance for travel and daily subsistence.

Expert selection will be carried out in consultation with the Bureau of SBSTTA, ensuring balanced expertise, gender representation, and equitable geographical distribution.
A formal announcement of the Group’s composition will follow completion of the selection process.

The full CBD notification is available here.