George Church supports licensing because he's on a dozen patents in this area, has significant investments in synthetic biology, and would be first in line to b

George Church supports licensing because he's on a dozen patents in this area, has significant investments in synthetic biology, and would be first in line to be involved with granting the licenses. There are valid safety considerations which need to be taken seriously but it's important to consider his motivations when making public statements like this. Tangentially, I took George Church's class at HMS and it was one of the worst courses I've ever taken. If a synthetic biology licensing committee ever comes into play I hope someone less scatterbrained and arbitrary is chosen to head it.