[Interview] "We Must Remain Very Open to New Technologies"

Tobias Erb, Max Planck Institute Group Leader: "A Balance Between Risks and Benefits Is Needed"
Rationalizing Regulations Hindering Synthetic Biology and the Importance of Civic Action for Defossilation

The need for rationalizing regulations that hinder the advancement of synthetic biology and the importance of civic action for 'defossilation' have been raised.

On September 24, Tobias Erb, research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Germany, emphasized in an interview with Asia Economy at the 'KSBB-AFOB Conference 2025'-jointly hosted by the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (KSBB) and the Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB)-that "we must remain very open to new technologies."

Tobias Erb, director of the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Germany, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Kim Joungho

Synthetic biology faces various social criticisms, such as the fact that it involves designing and synthesizing DNA, that microorganisms created through synthetic biology could be released into nature and disrupt native ecosystems, and that companies could monopolize certain genes and metabolic pathways.

Regarding these criticisms, Erb stated, "Ultimately, what matters is balancing risks and benefits," adding, "To ensure stable food production, we must consider both the benefits and the risks." He meant that if we are concerned about risks, we must forgo the benefits, and if we want the benefits, we must accept the risks.

He illustrated his point with the example of cattle farming. He noted, "Currently, the number of cattle exceeds the human population. We do not need to become vegetarians, but we should reduce our meat consumption."

He pointed out that in order to meet the massive demand for meat, more cattle than humans are being raised, and genetically modified crops (GMOs) must be produced to feed them. He criticized certain groups for focusing on criticism for its own sake without confronting this reality.

One prominent application of synthetic biology is the 'Golden Rice' project. Scientists have sought to address nutritional deficiencies among populations in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, where rice is a staple food, by directly fortifying rice with nutrients.

Despite much debate over public resistance to genetically modified crops and patent issues involving multinational corporations, the world's first commercial cultivation was approved in the Philippines in 2021, and preparations are underway for distribution in Bangladesh and other regions.

Erb explained, "The current agricultural system already relies on modified plants and is managed under a highly controlled system. In the field, crops such as wheat, which have been improved for rapid growth and high yield, are being used successfully in agriculture and livestock production."

Tobias Erb, director of the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Germany, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Kim Joungho

He believes that "in the case of food, it is essential to verify that there are no long-term health risks and to conduct even more thorough quality checks." In the end, it is not the science of synthetic biology that is at fault, but rather the social system that prematurely assumes it will head in the wrong direction.

Erb has long argued that by introducing new enzymes and pathways through synthetic photosynthesis, it is possible to absorb more carbon dioxide (CO₂) more efficiently than with natural photosynthesis. Synthetic photosynthesis, which moves from basic science to applied engineering, is a mainstream concept in synthetic biology that has consistently emphasized the potential to open a new paradigm for climate change response and biological resource production.

He also stressed that effective use of synthetic biology technologies could enable 'defossilation.' He said, "Society as a whole should move toward reducing air travel." Rather than creating regulations that hinder the development of synthetic biology, he argued, it is more important for citizens to take practical steps to reduce the use of carbon-emitting transportation.

He also praised Korea's research infrastructure and offered advice to junior researchers. Erb said, "Good education and long-term trust create creative and outstanding researchers. Korea is one of the most innovative countries in the world," adding, "I would welcome Korea's well-trained, excellent students to the Max Planck Institute." He encouraged junior researchers to "keep your goals in sight and move forward."