Purpose/ Mission Statement

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The purpose of SYNBUM is to communicate the potential, as well as ethical considerations of synthetic biology for the MIT community and beyond. Specifically, SYNBUM strives Interfaith@MIT is to catalyze relationships between religious groups on campus and to invite the MIT community to take notice and take part in activities that reach across cultural, intellectual and religious bounds. Specifically, Interfaith strives towards the following goals:

• Interfaith CatalystEducation and Outreach
  *: To generate interest and meaningful dialogue in the prospects of synthetic biology, its uses, and both scientific and ethical considerations; to further understanding of and exposure to the laboratory tools and process of synthetic biology; to connect with the MIT community and beyond to generate excitement for synthetic biology;

• Networking
  *: To provide opportunities for the undergraduate community to network with graduate students, professors, and industry leaders with similar interests in synthetic biology;

• bring religious or belief groups on campus together, two at a time, to deepen understanding and cultivate respect at both the religious and personal level;  to involve the MIT community in interfaith activities on campus; to promote interfaith and faith-specific events on campus and encourage attendance from all belief groups. 

• Common Action
  *: Interfaith cooperation such as service-learning and social action that will influence both personal attitudes and the bonds of a community through a common goal and a positive collective experience.

• Faith Focus
  *: To celebrate the diversity and Research and Academic Opportunities
  *: To provide the MIT undergraduate community unique opportunities in both coursework and research.

Definition of Membership

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1. Any member of the MIT community is eligible to become a member of SYNBUM. There is no course preference for students; we especially encourage students without biology backgrounds. One is considered a member of this organization in any given academic term if she has attended at least one club activity and one meeting in the preceding or current term and is a member of the SYNBUM mailing list.
2. The organization’s membership will at all times consist of at least 5 MIT students and be more than half MIT students.
3. This organization will not discriminate based on any characteristic listed in MIT's Nondiscrimination Statement.
4. If this organization charges any monetary dues, there will be exceptions made for students that cannot afford these dues.

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